The UCLA Prison Education Program was developed to make higher education more accessible to justice involved women and young people. The organization works directly with individuals who are currently incarcerated, fostering an environment where participants are able to interact with professors and students on a meaningful level. Right now, the UCLA Prison Education Program offers a number of courses centered on politics, sociology and dismantling systems of oppression. The program focuses on creative writing as a healthy, sustainable outlet for incarcerated individuals to express themselves and make sense of their respective traumas. Nearly two thirds of participants indicate that the courses and workshops offered by the program have improved their self confidence and communication skills. Faculty and staff in the program believe that their courses help reduce recidivism and break the cycle of incarceration. Additionally, graduates of the program receive a Justice Studies Certificate and have the opportunity to continue working toward a four-year degree after release.