Financial literacy training for people in prison

Contribute to Level's financial education program for people in prison so they can thrive after release and break the destructive cycle of incarceration.

Level is a 501c3 nonprofit, EIN 84-2956557

Donate to Level's project to bring financial literacy training for people in prison

The opportunity

Financial knowledge to change lives

Budget
$108,750 Raised
$25,000

Today, financial literacy is the #1 most highly requested educational topic among people in prison that we do not currently offer programming for. To meet this need, Level is creating a five-part financial education literacy series created specifically for people in prison who are preparing for a successful release. Long-term objectives and goals of this project include building a foundation of essential financial knowledge, establishing access to credit, and improving opportunities through capital markets to increase economic stability and mobility after incarceration. The first module in this series has already been completed and published and the second is in development. We're continuing to fundraise for the third, fourth and fifth modules as well as distribution to people in prison across the country.

The $108,750 project budget includes curriculum development of the five-part financial literacy program and costs related to distributing this curriculum to the first 1,000 incarcerated learners. $61,250 (56%) will be used for curriculum development including guidance from formerly incarcerated team members and $47,500 (44%) will be used for distribution to incarcerated learners at more than 1,000 prisons in all 50 states.

Contributors to this project

We thank our communities of support

We are thankful to Next Gen Personal Finance for providing the generous lead funding for this project. We continue to fundraise with corporate giving programs, private foundations and individual philanthropists.

I cannot thank Level enough for these guides and the knowledge that they contain. All of you all there at Level have given me the opportunity to show the initiative that I am putting into my rehabilitative efforts with each one of these certificates. So, from the four corners of my heart... I say thank you.

Christopher, in prison in Illinois

Thank you for giving me this opportunity and giving me a chance to learn more about my options and what I may do when I become a part of society once more. Level is life changing. This guide is written in a way that not only captured my attention but also made me excited to learn more. I tell everyone about Level.

Preston, incarcerated in Pennsylvania

While other organizations tell us to hook up with them when we get out, Level is actually doing something for us while we're stuck here. Educational opportunities are in short supply. I've been in prison 21 years, since I was 17. I can't thank you enough. Level has done more for me than other so-called advocates.

Dominic, in prison in Pennsylvania

I want to thank you guys for helping us, some of us have nothing to turn to but the streets. You've given hope to the hopeless. I read the guide everyday and use my cellmates to test my answers. I already have recommended Level a few times. You are an avenue for guys to get to learn something to take home.

LaVoy, in prison in Texas

You all are doing freaking awesome! Knowledge is power. From a prisoner's standpoint, this place keeps people ignorant. I can't even get any of the things they offer here. The more information and education you all offer, the more I try to share it. I look forward to your upcoming materials - just keep them coming.

Jay, incarcerated in Texas

I am continuously seeking self improvement through education, reflection and applying knowledge. I don't just want to learn, I want to build my character. I was surprised how many practical things I learned from this guide. There were very clear guidelines. It helped me envision the possibilities in the future.

Thomas, incarcerated in Pennsylvania

Have more questions about funding this project?

We've included answers to some general questions below. Please get in touch with any additional questions. Thank you!

What is Level?

Level is a popular prison education program that offers education, career training and personal development. Level has a unique approach that can reach nearly any person at any prison, even those in high security or solitary confinement. 6,442 people in prison have spent 85,750 hours using the Level program inside 1,031 prisons across the country.

How does Level work?

Level sends printed content packets - we call them guides - to people in prison across the country. Our guides are designed to pass the stringent restrictions applied to incoming mail at correctional facilities. People in prison can use our guides in their cells or in common areas. Each of our guides is designed to be a 10 hour study program about one topic. People complete our program at their own pace.

When a learner finishes a guide, they transfer their quiz answers onto a Completion Form and send it back to us. Our system registers their completion of that guide, creates a Certificate of Achievement, and then we send a new guide.

We have successfully been using this system across the country since 2020.

Can't people in prison learn this from YouTube or a website?

People in prison don't have access to computers or the internet, so they can't access existing educational and job training and content in the same ways that people on the outside can. Most prisons don't even have educational and job training programs that are easily accessed.

Level is a unique lifeline for many people in prison who want to prepare for a brighter future. We take the time to custom create popular educational programs that are specifically written for people in prison. We often partner with formerly incarcerated subject matter experts to ensure that our content is created by people who have walked in the shoes of our learners.

Do you have more specific information on this project including timeline, budget, measurement and impact?

Yes, absolutely! We don't put all that on this page because it's a lot! We are happy to send you detailed project, timeline, budget, measurement and impact information. Please reach out using this contact form and let us know what you'd like to see.

Is my donation to Level tax deductible?

Yes! Level is a 501c3 nonprofit, EIN 84-2956557. Let us know if you need a specific receipt or acknowledgement of your donation.