In a normal year, PEP instructors make the 35-minute drive southwest to Pacific, Mo. where they conduct in-person class, put together study hall sessions and even organize clubs. But when COVID-19 hit, the prison completely shut down. The students couldn’t see their families, let alone teachers from PEP.

The devastation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic has been deeply felt in every corner of society, prompting students across the country to get involved with helping their community members.