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Allan Wachendorfer

Justice Fellows Advisory Board

Allan Wachendorfer serves as the associate initiative director with the Vera Institute of Justice’s Unlocking Potential initiative, where he is dedicated to expanding access to high-quality, equitable postsecondary education programs within prisons. In his role, Allan plays a pivotal part in guiding the initiative’s technical assistance (TA) efforts, working closely with colleges, correctional departments, and organizations that provide education and reentry support to incarcerated individuals.

His notable contributions include aiding in the successful federal advocacy campaign to restore Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated individuals, providing TA to over 200 Second Chance Pell colleges and their correctional partners, and assisting with Second Chance Act Education and Employment grant initiatives. Allan has also been instrumental in ensuring the nationwide implementation of Pell reinstatement.

In 2019, Allan coauthored the publication “Lessons from Second Chance Pell: A Toolkit for Helping Incarcerated Students Complete the FAFSA,” which serves as a valuable resource for those working to support incarcerated students completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Additionally, Allan co-leads the equity efforts of the Unlocking Potential initiative, which are prominently featured in the report “Beyond Access: Advancing Racial Equity and Inclusion in Prison Education Programs.”

Beyond his work with Vera, Allan is a founding member and the current Board President of Nation Outside, a Michigan-based organization led by formerly incarcerated individuals. Nation Outside advocates for systems of support that ensure access to healthcare, education, employment, and housing for those reentering society after incarceration.

Allan Wachendorfer