Stan State joins the nationwide initiative “Project Rebound”, a program that assists formerly incarcerated individuals with entering and succeeding at college. 

According to the Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, each year approximately 700,000 individuals leave federal and state prisons. However, about half of them will be reincarcerated within three years.

In addition, inmates who participate in correctional education programs are up to 43% less likely to return to prison.

An alternative solution to recidivism is by expanding Project Rebound. This program has been changing lives of many since 1961. It was first established in San Francisco by John Irwin, who was formerly incarcerated himself.

Stan State hired Project Rebound Coordinator, Danica Bravo. For over 15 years, Danica has been helping formerly incarcerated individuals get on their feet and stay on their feet. 

Growing up in south side Stockton, Bravo witnessed gang violence and peers being incarcerated.

“Making my way to education, I just felt like this is a chance for me to be a spokesperson for them, a mentor, a friend and adviser to show them a way to education,” said Bravo. 
Bravo encourages an open door policy to support future members to take advantage of the programs resources and having a welcoming support system.

“It comes from the roots of where I’m from, I feel like I’ve seen so many incarcerated, and I know who they are and I know what kind of person they are. There was a lack of something. Somebody was without,” Bravo added.

Bravo emphasizes that Project Rebound is here to help streamline the process and any barriers students might face. This program offers enrollment support, advising support, mentoring, educational workshops, parole and probation difficulties and career opportunities.

This program also creates new opportunities such as jobs assisting. with the program.

“One thing I wish I would’ve had while coming into school was a bigger peer support group and that’s what I want to offer to any student. If I can say yes this is my story, I’ve been incarcerated but that doesn’t define me. That’s how I want to help and offer to others,” said Brain Gault (senior, Sociology). 

Many students and faculty are now becoming aware of this new program on campus. Project Rebound is located in the Mary Stuart Rogers building in the student affairs office. 

“I didn’t know about it before, I was already halfway through my four years of school. Danica’s helped me get this job and opened up resources. People that are tired of going through that recidivism alone, there’s a lot of resources out there if you fall into that category,” Gary Norvak (junior, Communication Studies).