Introducing UPEP

Who are we?

The Undergraduate Prison Education Partnership (UPEP) works closely with NPEP in Evanston. UPEP seeks to cultivate collaboration between NU undergraduates in Evanston and NPEP students in Sheridan Correctional Center and Logan Correctional Center through prison education initiatives.

What do we do?

Support NPEP’s mission, “Transformation Through Education”

Organize peer tutoring and workshops at Sheridan Correctional Center and Logan Correctional Center

Fundraise for books and other supplies

Engage NU undergraduates in prison education through awareness and advocacy about mass incarceration and the correctional system

Past events

Member testimonials

SOPHIA CHANG, UPEP 2024-2025 CO-PRESIDENT:

Throughout my time in UPEP, I primarily worked with the Events Committee, leading and supporting educational, fundraising, and community-building events. One of the most meaningful events that I had the honor of partaking in was hosting Keith Lamar’s Jazz Benefit Concert. Seeing undergraduates, professors, and community members turn out to hear Keith's spoken word and music was incredibly moving. At UPEP, students from all areas of study come together in support of the belief that education is a right for everyone. Being with UPEP students who are so passionate, committed, and caring has been wonderful, and I will miss it dearly!

MEGAN LIN, UPEP 2024-2025 CO-EVENTS CHAIR:

In high school, I saw on Instagram about NPEP and decided to apply to this school because of it. Now as a third-year student who has been involved with UPEP since my first quarter, I never regretted joining this club. Through UPEP, I was able to meet peers who were also serious about the criminal justice system. UPEP directly connected me to the work of NPEP. Last year, I started going into Stateville and it was partially through this experience that I realized I want to become an urban sociology professor. So in a way, UPEP and NPEP have shaped my past, present, and potentially my future.

Ways to get involved

1. Follow @nu_upep on Instagram and join the Listserv (request by emailing upep@u.northwestern.edu) for event updates and details.

2. Attend weekly open General Meetings in Parkes Hall.

3. Apply to join one of the following committees during the fall quarter: Equity and Inclusion, Events, Finance, Public Relations, Fundraising, Internal Programming, and Operations.