San José State university (SJSU) has officially launched Project Rebound, a comprehensive program designed to support the higher education and social reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals. This initiative, which began at San Francisco State University in 1967, provides a structured pathway for students within the California State University (CSU) system, from admission to graduation and beyond.

L-R: at the Project Rebound launch on March 20, Rudy Howell, Oona Hatton and Anne Marie Todd surprised Peggy Stevenson with an award recognizing her years of service with the Record Clearance Project. Photo by Robert C. Bain.

Project Rebound offers peer mentorship, student support services, and strategies for long-term growth, collaborating with both campus entities and external organizations. The program is open to any incoming or current SJSU student who is formerly incarcerated, whether on or off parole or probation, and committed to rigorous college-level work.

Leadership and Vision

The program is led by Program Director rudolph “Rudy” Howell and Executive Director Oona Hatton,an associate professor of communication studies. The staff includes individuals familiar with the justice system, all deeply invested in the transformative potential of higher education.

Howell, a Project Rebound alumnus, knows firsthand the challenges and opportunities the program provides. He spent 17 years incarcerated, during which he earned an associate’s degree. He reached out to universities nationwide, but only San Francisco State’s project Rebound responded.

Project Rebound offered a structure of support when I got home.
Rudolph “Rudy” Howell, Program Director, Project Rebound

Howell was released from prison in January 2013 with his associate’s degree and acceptance to San Francisco State. He promptly contacted Jason Bell, the director at the time.

I was released from prison in January 2013 with my AA in hand and my acceptance to San Francisco State. I called the director Jason Bell and said, ‘I’m home.’ I got out on a Wednesday. He had me enrolled in class the following Monday.
Rudolph “Rudy” Howell, Program Director, Project Rebound

Three years later, Howell earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and committed himself to helping others through higher education.

Statewide Impact and Success

Hatton aims to build upon the successes of Project rebound across the state,where over 1,500 students are enrolled on 20 CSU campuses. Impressively, over 40% of Project Rebound students pursue graduate studies. The program’s impact is evident in its recidivism rate.

Call to Action for Faculty and Community

Clifton Oyamot, associate dean for academic programs and student success at the College of social Sciences, is encouraging faculty to participate in the fall 2025 faculty mentor program. He also invites the broader SJSU community to invite Project Rebound staff to department meetings and events to raise awareness.

Our goal is to eventually have a representative for every department across the university so that when a Project Rebound student comes in, we can connect them with someone specific in their major.
Clifton Oyamot, Associate Dean, College of Social Sciences

Education as a Lifeline

Howell describes Project Rebound as an choice to the business model of the revolving door of prison. The program focuses on social, political, and economic inclusion through self-efficacy and independence, providing tools to navigate life after incarceration. Counselor Wil Quintero, who is pursuing an MBA, also serves on staff. His experiance with UC Berkeley’s Underground Scholars program was critical to his success in earning a bachelor’s degree after serving time in prison.

I always wanted to do something positive, but it’s hard to do something positive when your whole surrounding surroundings is negative. Programs like Project Rebound really help students because we want to succeed. Everyone can do it; you just need support.
Wil Quintero, Counselor, Project rebound

Comprehensive Support Services

The Project Rebound team, including new Administrative Support Coordinator Rachel Jones, plans to offer holistic, wraparound services for justice-impacted students. Thes services include:

• Short-term assistance for crises
• Basic needs support (food, housing, mental health)
• Emergency funds
• Admissions and financial aid assistance
• Tuition and books assistance
• Tutoring
• Transportation resources
• Digital literacy support
• Community networking
• Record expungement through SJSU’s Record Clearance Project, led by Margaret “Peggy” stevenson.

Stevenson emphasizes the resilience and dedication of these students.

Students who have past involvement with the justice system frequently have overcome seemingly insurmountable barriers and trauma, and see higher education as a path to brighter futures. Project Rebound opens doors to greater opportunities. The campus is enriched by such dedicated and courageous students.
Margaret “Peggy” Stevenson, Justice Studies Department, SJSU