About
The Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project (APAEP) is an Auburn University initiative that provides access to sustained, quality education to people incarcerated in Alabama.
Artists/Teachers
Engaged in APAEP programming in Alabama
Students reached
Alabama Prisons
Engaged in APAEP programming
Testimonials
Community Education Program Student
“In retrospect now, what I remember clearest about that first APAEP class I took is not the course material, but rather, the light which appeared in some of my classmate’s eyes in response to the camaraderie created in the group or as they accomplished something meaningful for the first time in their lives. For some, the light continued to shine even after the course was complete.”
College Program Student
"The education that I have received thus far has changed my perspective on life for the better. I appreciate education and respect scholars much more because of my time with APAEP. My views and opinions are a bit more objective and that alone is priceless.”
Donate
You have the power to support meaningful and sustained education in the arts, humanities, and sciences for people in Alabama impacted by incarceration.
Your Donation:
Expands access to quality higher education for people incarcerated in Alabama
Assists APAEP in developing new arts programming and other resources for people in prison
Contributes to new initiatives to serve people in prison and their communities across the state
Connects you with a community of like-minded supporters
In The News
How Kyes Stevens educates, inspires imprisoned students
Kyes Stevens started the Alabama Prison Arts + Education Program, which offers a variety of classes to incarcerated students all over the state.
New exhibit features artwork from incarcerated Alabama artists
The art is from the Alabama Prison Arts and Education Project. Founded in 2002 at Auburn University, Kyes is the one who recruited instructor Jamey Grimes as well.
Creative writing class in prison was ‘light’ in the darkness
“When you’re in the darkness, and a little light comes to you, you follow that light,” Sonia said. Her light was the creative writing course, taught by Kyes Stevens.
Stay In Touch
Connect With APAEP
Thank you for your interest in the Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project. We look forward to hearing from you. Drop by the office, give us a call, or send us an email.
A Note on Language
APAEP uses human-centered language. For example, we refer to our students as students, and individuals who have experienced incarceration as system-impacted or people who are currently/formerly incarcerated.
To learn more, and see other examples, please read this open letter from Eddie Ellis, Founder of Center for NuLeadership on Urban Solutions, the language guide created by the Underground Scholars Initiative, the “Words Matter” Initiative from The Fortune Society, and FWD.US’s People First Campaign.