Building the Prison to University Pipeline in California

Abstract

This article examines the transformative potential of education in the abolition of the prison industrial complex through the lens of the Underground Scholars program at the University of California, Berkeley. Established by formerly incarcerated UC Berkeley students and allies, the program has grown into a comprehensive initiative operating across all nine undergraduate-serving public universities in California. It addresses the specific needs of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals through its five foundational pillars: Recruitment, Retention, Advocacy, Wellness, and Career Services. The article highlights significant legislative and policy shifts in California that have expanded educational opportunities for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. Despite these advancements, tensions persist, particularly within the UC system, where institutional resistance impedes the program’s expansion. These challenges underscore the inherent contradictions of providing education within a system designed for control and punishment. The discussion extends to broader abolitionist perspectives, advocating policies that prioritize education and community-based support over incarceration. By leveraging education as a tool for liberation, Underground Scholars aims to create a future where justice and equity are achieved through supportive and interdependent communities rather than punitive measures. The article concludes by envisioning a future beyond the carceral state, where graduates of the Underground Scholars program become transformative leaders in government, law, social work, policy, and education, driving systemic change informed by their lived experiences of incarceration, systemic injustice, and higher education.