Help Us Keep California’s Only Accredited Prison Seminary Alive
Dear Friend of SUM,
I am reaching out with an urgent request. As many of you know, SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary is the only approved and accredited theological college operating inside the California prison system. For the past year, we have witnessed what many said was impossible—hardened prison environments transformed from the inside out through moral rehabilitation and gospel-centered education. But today, our entire Prison Seminary Program is in jeopardy.
Why This Crisis Exists
The federal government now requires that all Pell Grant funding for incarcerated students be distributed through each state’s Department of Education. In California, however, the governor has prohibited Pell funding from being used for religious education. This decision has removed the single largest source of federal financial aid available to incarcerated students. In November, we were notified by our lead financial sponsor, PIF/Prison Seminary Foundation, that they are no longer able to secure funding for the program. Their inability to continue support has created a sudden and significant financial gap. As a result, thirty incarcerated students at Mule Creek State Prison—men already experiencing radical transformation—are now at risk of losing their education, and SUM cannot bear this cost alone.
What Is Happening at Mule Creek
• 30 SUM students are enrolled in accredited bachelor’s degrees in theology and ministry.
• They have launched a fully inmate-led Spanish ministry, reaching more than 80 men every Friday night.
• 17 small groups meet weekly—Bible studies, prayer communities, and discipleship circles—all led by SUM students.
• Correctional staff have reported an observable shift: more peace, more hope, and more accountability inside the facility. One student, Earl Breckenridge, expressed it beautifully: “After 42 years of incarceration, SUM has given me community, direction, and the ability to become an agent of change for those around me.” These are not abstract ideas—this is culture change happening right now behind the walls.
The Immediate Need
The annual tuition for each incarcerated student is $4,800, or $400 per month. We were blessed to receive a one-time gift of $50,000 that covered the Fall Trimester. We are now seeking sponsorships for the Winter and Spring Trimesters. You can help us continue this work:
• Sponsor one student for the Winter Trimester: $1,600
• Sponsor one student for Winter & Spring Trimesters: $3,200
Would you prayerfully consider sponsoring one of our students? This Is not just education, it’s redemption. Your gift does far more than cover tuition.
By supporting SUM’s Prison Seminary Program, you are:
• Breaking cycles of violence
• Restoring dignity and purpose
• Equipping future leaders who will transform prison culture from within
• Impacting families and communities on the outside
This program is one of the most proven, effective, and hope-filled rehabilitation models in America. Current projections show that 85% of Mule Creek inmates will eventually be paroled. It is our desire that, upon release, these men become agents of change for the betterment of our communities.
Will You Stand with Us?
We are sincerely grateful for your partnership. In Jesus’ Name.
Chancellor George Neau
SUM Bible College & Theological Seminary
