Southeast Asian Prison Outreach Project

Through the power of communication, the Southeast Asian Prison Outreach Project seeks to bridge the gap between overlooked Southeast Asain communities in prison and in free society. Inspired by the African American Studies Department’s Prison Pen Pal Program, a SASC member, by the name of Amy Tran, developed a similar project for the Southeast Asian community in prisons during the spring of 2009. The following semester, Larry Bach, Kristine Nguyen and Irene Van formed the first committee with Amy to execute the goals and vision of this project. From three initial contacts, the project today now connects Berkeley students and community members with over 35 incarcerated men and women.