Project Rebound, a California State University program – including one based at Cal State San Bernardino – dedicated to supporting formerly incarcerated individuals in their pursuit of higher education, has been honored with The President’s Award for Distinguished Contributions to Justice by the American Society of Criminology (ASC).
The award, presented at the organization’s annual conference late last fall, recognizes significant and distinguished contributions to the advancement of justice. This year’s honorees included Project Rebound at Cal State San Bernardino, part of a statewide initiative to provide educational opportunities and support services for individuals transitioning from incarceration to higher education.
Established initially in 1967 at San Francisco State University, and at CSUSB in 2016 by Carolyn Eggleston (then professor of special education, now retired) and Annika Anderson (then assistant professor of sociology and now department chair and CSUSB Project Rebound executive director), Project Rebound has expanded to 19 CSU campuses.
The program offers academic counseling, financial aid guidance and other essential resources to help participants achieve academic and personal success through higher education, reducing recidivism and breaking cycles of incarceration.
The President’s Award for Distinguished Contributions to Justice is given annually to individuals or organizations whose work has made a lasting impact on justice, either through a singular initiative or sustained efforts. Co-recipients are recognized in cases of collaborative work.
The ASC’s recognition highlights the critical role of education in fostering opportunities for rehabilitation and reentry, aligning with broader efforts to address systemic barriers faced by formerly incarcerated individuals.