Project Rebound is a special admissions and support program for students impacted by the justice system, or transitioning out of prisons and jails. Operating within the California State University system since 1967, Project Rebound has helped hundreds of individuals earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Project Rebound has a proven model to promote restorative justice, reduce recidivism, and empow
er individuals through higher education. SDSU Professor Alan Mobley directs a team of faculty, staff, and students who assist Project Rebound scholars and prospective students. In addition to providing direct service, Project Rebound provides continuing students an opportunity to “give back” by collaborating on outreach, public education, and holistic justice solutions. “Traditional students will gain a deeper understanding of the causes and conditions that give rise to crime,” said Mobley. “Students will learn restorative justice practices alongside justice-involved students to find ways out of the ‘revolving door’ of justice system involvement.”
Each university will develop a campus-based re-entry program to help individuals prepare for college, apply for admission, enroll, persist, and graduate ready to enter the workforce. The SDSU Project Rebound includes the on- and off-campus networks required for prospective and enrolled students to succeed. Participating CSU campuses and partners form a learning community to serve students pre- and post-release. Project Rebound partners will share results and disseminate best practices to other campuses and college systems. As the largest four-year university system in the country, the CSU has the potential to further develop the knowledge and research of campus-based reentry programs. These initiatives can also reduce crime, improve public safety, restore communities devastated by mass incarceration, and reverse the “school to prison pipeline.”