Academy of Hope provides expert certification programs to train correctional staff through cutting edge best practices. Led by Andre Norman, the world's foremost prison expert.
In 2018, after one of the worst prison riots in America history, Andre Norman and the Academy of Hope program went in and completely challenged the prison culture and saved a correctional officer's life. Watch this video.
About the Founder
Andre Norman
Ambassador of Hope
Andre Norman is the world's foremost expert in correctional training. His journey from maximum-security prison inmate to a consultant to the same prison that incarcerated him, and later to Harvard University is a testament to the power of transformation, resilience, and hope.
Today, he travels to prisons helping them deal with understaffing, institutional violence, inmate manimpulation and negative public sentiment. His proven methodologies have decreased violence, increased morale, and improved community relations.
Academy of Hope is an experience-based system—a comprehensive certification program that brings what really works, what's really needed to support correctional staff, so that they can be the best version of themselves.
Harvard
Fellow
Global
Expert
Proven
Results
Inmate Manipulation Training
Recognize and prevent manipulation tactics to maintain professional boundaries and facility security.
Cultural Communication Training
Build bridges across cultural divides by finding a common language between city and rural people, creating inclusive environments that respect all individuals.
Correctional Staff Training
Comprehensive professional development programs designed to enhance staff skills and effectiveness.
Employee Assistance Program Support
Resources and support systems to help staff manage stress, burnout, and workplace challenges.
Our Mission
Why Academy of Hope Exists
"The Academy of Hope was created and birthed because men died."
After the deadliest prison riot in the United States in a quarter century—leaving seven prisoners dead and 17 seriously injured at a maximum-security prison—something had to change. The goal of Academy of Hope is to change the culture of violence inside prisons and create a safer environment.
Our Philosophy: Reentry starts with the correctional staff. If we want better inmates, we have to help create better staff. We do that by supporting, training and empowering them.
We don't just see someone as a correctional officer, we see them as the backbone of a system that's going to produce great reentry results. If we can provide more training for correctional staff, then that will produce a better culture. That's what Academy of Hope believes—better staff equals better results.
Our Program
Academy of Hope
Certification Program
A comprehensive certification program designed to empower and support correctional facilities through expert training, proven methodologies, and real-world application.
Inmate Manipulation Training
Learn to recognize and prevent manipulation tactics used by inmates. Develop skills to maintain professional boundaries, identify manipulation patterns, and protect yourself and your facility from exploitation.
Public Speaking & Stage Presence
Master the art of giving effective presentations and working collaboratively with others. Develop powerful speaking skills, learn to engage diverse audiences, and build confidence in professional communication settings.
Cultural Communication Training
Build bridges across cultural divides by finding a common language between city and rural people. Learn to understand diverse backgrounds, navigate cultural differences, and create inclusive environments that respect all individuals.
Gang Culture Training
Understand gang dynamics and behaviors to better manage and prevent gang-related incidents. Learn proven strategies for intervention, disengagement, and creating safer environments.
Academy of Hope Program
Through AOH, staff learn how to operate the #1 violence reduction program in the world. Our comprehensive core program combines all training elements into a unified certification designed to transform correctional facilities.
De-Escalation Training
Master proven techniques to defuse tense situations before they escalate. Learn verbal de-escalation strategies, body language cues, and communication methods that prevent violence and maintain safety.
Why Choose
Academy of Hope
We're the team that you call after the riot. We want to be the team you call to prevent the riot. Our program is founded in real-life experience and our goal is to empower and support correctional staff to create a safer environment.
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Learn directly from Andre Norman, the world's foremost expert in crisis intervention and prison transformation.
Department of Corrections
Our methodologies have successfully transformed struggling prisons and helped thousands of individuals.
County Jails
We address all aspects: prison systems, staff training, and prisoner rehabilitation in one integrated program.
City Jails
We tackle the issues you face daily: staff shortages, violence prevention, drug use, under-21 populations, no-show visits, and more.
Ready to Empower Your Staff?
Join Academy of Hope and learn from the world's foremost expert in correctional training. Start your transformation journey today.