Get Involved
Odyssey Beyond Bars
Ways to get involved with OBB
Join Odyssey Beyond Bars in supporting incarcerated students through volunteering. Volunteers have the opportunity to contribute to various projects such as The Welcome Oracle, a publication featuring student writing and letters that celebrates students’ voices, creativity, and perspectives. Opportunities may include editing student writing, proofreading, and helping prepare submissions for publication.
Interested in volunteering? Email Jen Fandel and Celine Fender at
Join Odyssey Beyond Bars in supporting students enrolled in English 100 through weekly small-group tutoring sessions. Tutors work with approximately five students to support reading and writing development, provide feedback on assignments, clarify course expectations, and foster collaborative learning. Through consistent mentorship, tutors help students strengthen their academic skills, build confidence, and stay on track throughout the semester. This role offers valuable experience in communication, mentorship, and academic support while contributing to OBB’s mission of expanding access to higher education for currently and formerly incarcerated students. Tutors must complete a DOC orientation and commit to facilitating weekly sessions and providing consistent academic support throughout the semester.
Interested in tutoring? Email Jen Fandel and Celine Fender at
Join Odyssey Beyond Bars in expanding access to higher education for currently and formerly incarcerated students. Interns support daily program operations, manage student records and communications, organize educational materials, assist with outreach, and contribute to special projects that promote student success. Interns may also have opportunities to visit correctional facilities, assist with informational sessions, and gain firsthand insight into higher education in correctional settings. This hands-on experience offers valuable skills in nonprofit operations, student support, communication, and database management—all while working alongside a supportive team to make a meaningful impact.
Interested in interning? Email Jen Fandel and Celine Fender at
Supporting Odyssey Beyond Bars
Support Odyssey Beyond Bars by clicking the button below. All donations are tax deductible. For questions, please contact Jenny Pressman, Director of Development and Community Partnerships, at jenny.pressman@wisc.edu.