I have created this page to support my good friend Steven Clark in earning a Ph.D. while incarcerated. Steven hopes to attend the California Institute of Human Sciences in the Summer of 2023, where he will research how different programs, such as online programs, can support consciousness and narrative change. Steven has become a member of the XCHANGE Approach and has learned a new way of facilitation that opens hearts, uplifts spirits, and unlocks collective wisdom. He will now use the XCHANGE Approach in his monthly online Awakening exchanges, which will help create more healing and transformative opportunities in the system of mass incarceration. Steven is a Unified Mindfulness Practitioner who uses mindfulness in the work that is doing for school and social change. Steven may be the first person to complete a doctorate while incarcerated in a maximum-security prison, and he will need resources and contributions to accomplish this goal.

Since he was first incarcerated, Steven began taking responsibility for the choices that landed him in prison; Steven has been involved with education and programs that have transformed his life. He has earned an Associate's degree and two Bachelor's degrees, graduating at the top of the class. Steven is currently finishing a master's degree in Positive Psychology. He has kept a 4.0 GPA while maintaining his volunteerism and helping many others achieve their goals.

He has become passionate about teaching programs, mentoring those who need support, and volunteering in different areas of the prison. Steven uses his education, life experiences, and training to uplift others and helps them enrich their lives. He is passionate about meditation, yoga, and holistic practices that help individuals find inner peace and healing. One practice that Steven has embraced is Unified Mindfulness taught by Shinzen Young and Julianna Raye. As a coach, Steven supports other incarcerated experiences with education, Unified Mindfulness, wellness, and reentry. Restorative justice has become a big part of Steven's life for the past six years, and he serves on the steering committee at the prison.

He is also working on implementing a coaching program called the Awakening: Transforming from the Inside Out. Steven told me the idea of the Awakening is to support a change in consciousness regarding prisons and what is possible if individuals are provided the right opportunities. Steven's program, the Awakening, has metamorphosed. My friend is now working with other students, consultants, and global leaders worldwide to mainstream a platform that would include coaching, resources to support human transformation, and work-study opportunities.

Each month Steven takes his time to design and implement online exchanges which bring attention to different resources and available educational opportunities. Thanks to Jon Berghoff and the XCHANGE Approach, Steven is getting support, coaching, and guidance to create the largest platform out there for criminal justice reform. The Glen Exchange, the Unified Mindfulness community, and other students and professors support Steven. Steven told me that because of the support and kindness of Jon, the Glen Community, Unified Mindfulness, and the XCHANGE community, he is connected to some of the most heart-centered people. He said these new friends believe in him and have inspired him in many ways. He is learning many lessons he will take into his Ph.D. work.

Steven is looking forward to earning a Ph.D. at the California Institute of Human Sciences. He will use education and his experience to create spaces that unite people and build better frameworks that address criminal justice reform and prison restructuring.

When Steven is released from prison, he will continue to make positive changes that support individuals with healing while advocating for criminal justice reform. In addition, he will continue to be involved with restorative justice work, creating opportunities for others while finding ways to help communities and individuals impacted by crime. Steven has the permission and support of the prison administration and the Commissioner to pursue his Ph.D

I know this may be a surprising request to ask you to help support my friend in a maximum-security prison. However, my friend has changed his life and is helping many people in the system change theirs. By supporting my friend in earning a Ph.D., we will create a space for him to keep assisting others with their transformation while also evolving the mass incarceration system.

Thank you for your time and any support you can provide.

Steven, during graduation with Doris Buffett and other graduates

Bachelors graduation with his mentor Kandyce P. and friends Bobby and Serge

Steven, during a speech for Recovery support in prison

Steven with his friend Charles P. who passed of cancer in the prison infirmary

Steven and his partner Michael at a prison visit.