Prison Mathematics Project

The Prison Mathematics Project (PMP) brings math into prison in three different ways.

1. Our one-on-one mentorship program pairs incarcerated individuals with a mathematical mentor. Our mentors are professors, post-docs, PhD students, undergraduates, math teachers, and people working in industry who have a passion for math. Once paired, the mentorship works to reach the educational goals of the incarcerated participant. This is done through letters, e-messaging, and phone calls when available. Deep relationships are formed that continue post-release and are a great way to support the difficult transition back to the outside world.
2. Math circles in prison are a great way to build a community around math. Local mathematicians go into the prison to lead 1-2 hour events that work on problems solving and analytical thinking skills. Some of the topics explored in these events are combinatorics, number theory, graph theory, etc. We have done events in Washington, Michigan, North Dakota, and we have upcoming events planned in New Jersey, Calgary, and Toronto.
3. The PMP Console is a coding app that goes on inmates' tablets. It has a text editor, complier, and courses with exercises and explanations. It has recently been approved for a pilot program at the biggest prison in Australia. Giving people more technical skills and education will lead to better post-release employment and will help lower the recidivism rate.