Prison Education Researcher – Canadian Alliance for Prison Education (CAPE)

Job Summary

This practicum provides an opportunity to contribute to a national initiative led by Associate Dean of Social Sciences, Dr. Wade Deisman, focused on building the Canadian Alliance for Prison Education (CAPE) and advancing the vision of “A Classroom in Every Prison.”

This 80-hour experience will involve supporting the development of a national network of post-secondary institutions, community organizations, and practitioners working to expand access to education within carceral settings. The student will assist with research, coordination, and the creation of materials that support the growth and sustainability of prison education initiatives across Canada.

You will also have the opportunity to contribute to related projects focused on access to education, reconciliation, and transformative approaches to justice.

Project Focus: Building a National Prison Education Network

CAPE is a national initiative aimed at ensuring that every carceral institution in Canada is connected to a post-secondary educational partner.

Across the country, educators, community organizations, and people with lived experience of incarceration are working to expand access to education as a pathway to personal transformation, community reintegration, and social justice.

This project focuses on:

• Mapping and connecting institutions involved in prison education

• Supporting the development of new and existing programs

• Advancing knowledge mobilization and national coordination

• Contributing to a shared vision of education as a core component of justice

Candidate Profile

This role presents an ideal opportunity for students interested in innovative and transformative approaches to justice, education, and social change.

The successful candidate will:

• Develop research, coordination, and communication skills

• Contribute to a national, high-impact initiative

• Engage with a network of practitioners, scholars, and community leaders

• Expand their professional and academic network

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on prison education programs and models

• Assist with mapping and network development across institutions

• Support the creation of reports, briefing materials, and resources

• Contribute to coordination and communication efforts across partners

Required Student Type

Any 3rd or 4th year UFV student may apply.

Preference will be given to students interested in reparative justice, prison education, and social transformation.

Preferred disciplines:

Criminology, Communications, Indigenous Studies, History, Peace & Conflict Studies, Political Science, Social Sciences, Sociology, Fine Arts, Theatre