"Join us in bringing hope, purpose, and transformation to California’s prison system."
The Mission
Our Inspiration
Paid in Full California’s mission is inspired by the remarkable transformation that took place at Angola Prison in Louisiana—once considered one of the most violent prisons in America. In 1995, Warden Burl Cain recognized that true rehabilitation required more than just confinement; it required a change of heart. He partnered with the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary to launch a faith-based seminary program inside the prison, giving incarcerated men access to higher education rooted in moral and spiritual development.
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The results were undeniable. As men engaged in theological studies and leadership training, a shift began within the prison walls.
Inmate-led initiatives took root, fostering an environment of accountability, peace, and restoration. According to a study conducted by Baylor University, this program led to a nearly 75% reduction in violence and created a ripple effect that reshaped the prison’s culture. What began as an experiment in one facility has now become a nationwide model for moral rehabilitation, inspiring Paid in Full California to bring this life-changing initiative to the incarcerated men of our state.
Bringing the Vision to California
Paid in Full California is honored to bring this proven model of moral rehabilitation to our state, making California the 23rd in the nation to implement a faith-based prison education program. This initiative is not just about academics—it is about equipping incarcerated men with the tools to transform their lives and influence those around them. By providing an accredited theological education, we are fostering a new generation of leaders who will bring hope and change from within the prison system.
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​In September 2024, we launched our first cohort of 23 men inside Mule Creek State Prison, marking the beginning of a powerful movement. These students are not only earning a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Theology but are also preparing to serve as mentors, peacemakers, and spiritual leaders within their facilities.
With each new class, we are building a pipeline of moral rehabilitation that has the potential to impact countless lives—inside and beyond prison walls.
How It Works
Paid in Full California (PIFC) provides accredited theological degree programs within California state prisons through strategic partnerships with theological seminaries and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. By integrating higher education with faith-based moral development, we offer incarcerated individuals a pathway to transformation—one that goes beyond traditional rehabilitation by instilling purpose, discipline, and leadership. This program is not simply about earning a degree; it is about equipping men with the knowledge and spiritual foundation needed to become mentors and positive influencers within their facilities.
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Each year, a new class of students is welcomed into the program, ensuring a continuous cycle of education and leadership development.
As graduates complete their studies, they take on roles as field ministers, counselors, and peacemakers, helping to shape a culture of restoration and accountability behind prison walls. This ripple effect extends far beyond the classroom, fostering long-term change that impacts entire correctional facilities and, ultimately, the communities to which these men may return. Through this model, PIFC is not just providing education—it is creating a movement of moral rehabilitation that has the power to reshape lives and prison environments for generations to come.
Expanding the Vision
With over 60,000 incarcerated individuals in California, the need for transformative education and moral rehabilitation is immense. While the impact at Mule Creek State Prison has been profound, Paid in Full California (PIFC) recognizes that this is just the beginning. Our vision extends far beyond a single location—we are actively working to expand our faith-based education program to additional prisons across the state. By doing so, we aim to provide more incarcerated men with the opportunity to pursue theological studies, develop leadership skills, and find renewed purpose through faith.
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This expansion is about more than just increasing enrollment numbers; it is about fostering a movement that reshapes the moral and cultural fabric of California’s prison system. Our goal is to make faith-based education accessible to all who seek it, ensuring that incarcerated individuals—regardless of their background—have the chance to engage in deep personal transformation.
As graduates become mentors and field ministers within their facilities, the effects of this program will ripple outward, influencing not only fellow inmates but also correctional staff and, ultimately, society as a whole. With continued support from our partners and donors, PIFC is committed to bringing lasting change to prisons across California, one life at a time.
The Evidence of Success
A 4-year Baylor University study on Burl Cain’ work in Angola, Louisiana, found that program participants showed the highest levels of mental and emotional well-being, improved attitude toward prison staff, and a greater sense of meaning and purpose in their lives. A similar study by Pepperdine University is underway researching the cultural changes seen in other states implementing this educational model.
The Commitment it Takes
To qualify, students must have at least 5 years remaining on their sentences, express a belief that God is calling them to this work, and sign a Code of Conduct committing to the demands of this accelerated program.
Partner with Us – Transform Lives Today
Paid in Full California is changing lives behind prison walls through faith-based education and moral rehabilitation. But we can’t do this alone—we rely on the generosity of financial partners like you to continue this life-changing work.
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Your support helps provide tuition, books, and resources for incarcerated students, equipping them to become leaders, mentors, and agents of change. With no state or federal funding, every donation directly impacts the expansion and sustainability of this program.
