Justice Education Month
OVERVIEW
Across the United States, April is recognized as National Reentry Awareness Month. This nationwide initiative highlights the challenges people face when reintegrating into society after incarceration and the importance of support services for formerly incarcerated individuals. Justice Education Month kicks off our celebration of reentry awareness from April 1–30, 2026. We aim to raise awareness about the crisis of incarceration, its profound human impact, and to build support for transformative educational movements.
JUSTICE EDUCATION MONTH 2026 EVENTS
April 1 - Film Screening & Panel, HBO's "The Nature of the Crime," 5:30 - 8 PM, 116 Dickinson Law Building
Join us for a screening of HBO's documentary examining the U.S. parole system and its complex bureaucracy.
April 2 - Strategies for Justice Symposium, "Examining the Criminalization of Immigrants in America," 10 AM - 3 PM, Virtual
Engage in conversation on the current climate amid the ongoing criminalization of both documented and undocumented individuals. This symposium will look at the societal consequences of criminalizing immigrants, including racial disparities.
April 4 - Zine-Making Workshop, 1 - 4 PM, The Print Factory, Bellefonte
Learn how to make a zine while hearing about their impactful uses! Explore a variety of topics related to poetry, visual art, journalism, education, and more!
April 6 - College Behind Bars Panel, 6 - 8 PM, 118 Chambers Building
Watch an abridged selection from "College Behind Bars" and join a panel discussion on the realities of incarceration and education.
April 14 - Reentry Simulation, 1 - 3 PM, Pasquerilla Center Lobby
Experience the challenges of reentry firsthand in this interactive simulation, gaining insight into the struggles formerly incarcerated individuals face.
April 15 - Women, Justice, and Impact Seminar, 6 - 7:30 PM, 224 Chambers Building
Experience an impactful seminar from esteemed author, scholar, and activist Michelle Daniel Jones
April 17 - Restorative Circles Training, 10 AM - 5 PM, 119 Chambers Building
Join a day-long training on Restorative Circles, a transformative justice practice fostering dialogue and healing within communities.
April 21 - Keynote with Hosts of Ear Hustle Podcast, 6 - 8 PM, Freeman Auditorium
Join Nigel Poor and Earlonne Woods, hosts of the Pulitzer Prize finalist Ear Hustle podcast. Ear Hustle brings you the daily realities of life inside prison shared by those living it, and stories from the outside, post-incarceration.
April 23 - History of Prison Education at Penn State Reception, 5:30 - 7 PM, W312 Pattee Library
Join us for a showcase of PSU library special collections. Learn about the history of prison education at Penn State while enjoying complimentary food and drink.
April 24 - Center for Black Digital Research Symposium, 9 AM - 5 PM, 221 Chambers Building
April 27 - Prison Education Program Teaching Info Session, 6 - 7 PM, Virtual
Learn how to get involved with RJI through teaching and volunteer opportunities supporting justice education and reentry efforts. Join us on Zoom!
Join us for a screening and panel discussion of HBO's documentary examining the U.S. parole system.
Engage in conversation amid the ongoing criminalization of immigrants in the United States.
Watch "College Behind Bars" and join a panel discussion on incarceration and education.
Experience the challenges of reentry in this interactive simulation.
Experience an impactful seminar from esteemed author, scholar, and activist Michelle Daniel Jones.
Join our training on a transformative justice practice fostering dialogue and healing within communities.
Join Nigel Poor and Earlonne Woods, hosts of Ear Hustle podcast, for an impactful keynote event.
Join us for a showcase of PSU library special collections.
Learn how to get involved with RJI through teaching and volunteer opportunities.