Our Purpose
We connect incarcerated learners who are dedicated to change with mentors who support and encourage their interest in mathematics and help to provide the necessary communal framework for rebuilding their lives both during and after their incarceration.
Our Vision
We see a world where desistance can be achieved through a community-based system of restorative justice, supporting cognitive changes and the restructuring of participants' lives occurring as a result of mentor/participant dynamics.
Our Mission
We believe in the power of mathematics to foster personal growth, strengthen healthy self-identity, and support desistance from crime. We nurture this engagement through one-on-one mentorship, providing incarcerated individuals with the tools, knowledge, and community to explore mathematics and gain marketable skills. Our mentors offer not only academic support and guidance but also create lasting relationships that ease the transition back into society. These connections often lead to employment, research and publication opportunities post-release, enabling participants to continue pursuing mathematics as part of a meaningful and healthy lifestyle.
Where the PMP is Located
As a team we have volunteers located all around the world. Our programs are currently running only in the United States, but we are hoping to expand!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Once a mentor or participant signs up we ask them several questions to figure out their mathematical level and what they are hoping to get out of the program. Then we pair people according to interest and level as best we can.
We print and email your letters to your mentee or send them via e-messaging depending on the contents of the letters. Your participant’s response goes to our virtual mailbox, where we scan it and send it to you as a PDF. If you would like to, you can set up an e-messaging account to message your mentee directly.
Many of our mentors prefer to work through the PMP interface, while others register for e-messaging so they can communicate directly with their mentee. The option you choose is your personal choice.
Traditionally we have done a Pi Day event on March 14th. In 2024 we held events in Washing, Michigan, and North Dakota. We are hoping to expand our in person offerings, so if you are interested in teaching math in-person in prison just let us know.
The biggest requirement is an interest in improving the lives of incarcerated people. The amount of math you know isn't the most important quality in a good mentor. Many of our participants are working towards their GED. As long as you are passionate about making a difference, then you can be a mentor!
The only real requirement we have is that you (or your loved one) is in a state or federal prison. Due to the nature of our program it is very difficult to work with people in local jails.
Unfortunately we cannot offer any college credit at this time. If you (or your loved one) is currently taking classes towards their degree while they are incarcerated, then our program is a great supplement to that to help them with their coursework and broaden their exposure to mathematics.
While we focus on math we are happy to have mentors with expertise in other subjects. If any participants are interested in other things we can always try to find a mentor who can help them. This is the benefit of the one-on-one model we have. Currently there are mentor-participant pairings that are working on computer science, physics, economics, and philosophy.