Exchange for Change provides writing and communication-based learning to students who are incarcerated in South Florida prisons and jails. E4C is able to bring high-quality programming inside thanks to the generosity of individual donors, like you.

Consider supporting our mission by making a contribution to E4C today.

“The last few years of my incarnation can be measured in semesters. And at the end of every semester I look back at what I have accomplished and see my own transformation”

— M.S. (Current E4C Student)

Removing Barriers to Education: We are the only South Florida nonprofit dedicated to improving writing and communication skills in carceral settings. E4C reaches beyond the Department of Corrections’ policy of limiting educational opportunities to people with sentences under three years.
High Quality Courses: In the last few years we’ve partnered with local universities to offer Continuing Education Units for some of our courses.
Opportunities for Growth: We have created a Student Leadership Council. Chosen by their classmates to represent them, SLC members serve as co-facilitators for our outside instructors. We provide SLC members with leadership and professional development training that helps with reintegration upon release.
Sharing Our Students’ Voices: We create and publish a literary journal, Don’t Shake the Spoon: A Journal of Prison Writing. The anthology is a juried selection of writings workshopped in our classes.
The path to reducing recidivism and crime rates in the United States includes educating, training, and supporting incarcerated individuals through programs like Exchange for Change.
Much research has confirmed positive correlation between education and crime rate prevention. A central component that criminologists have found is the role of individual motivation and desire. Education and extracurricular courses provide individuals with a sense of encouragement, meaning, and desire to do and be better. While also providing them the opportunity to pursue further education and a passion to be an active member of society.
Prisons with art programs saw 75% fewer disciplinary infractions, and better communication between incarcerated individuals and correctional officers (AFTA). Reports also indicate that those who’ve participated in art and writing programs have 30% fewer parole violations (AFTA).
“Investing public funds in education and training in prisons will achieve more sustainable community outcomes as compared to building prisons” (Farley).
Approximately 9 out of every 10 students in our program felt confident they could express themselves more effectively after taking an E4C course and 97% of students mentioned no disciplinary trouble while taking an E4C course. To learn more about the role education plays in prison, read Mass Incarceration: The Whole Pie 2023 Report.
$50 funds printing material for one class, supporting our students basic needs
$100 funds classroom supplies for one course, allowing the space to foster education
$500 funds an end-of-semester graduation, celebrating artists who’ve put in the work
$1,000 funds an 8-week summer semester, giving continued routine and responsibility to our students
$2000 funds a 12-week spring or fall semester, giving hope to our students, teachers, and entire community

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“This program and its community have changed me in ways I never thought was possible . . . Since joining I have laughed, cried, and felt something I thought was impossible to feel again,
normal.”

— Former E4C Student