Michael Kostis serves as the Co-Coordinator for the Florida Coalition for Higher Education in Prison (FCHEP). A recent graduate from the University of Central Florida with dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Sociology, Michael brings a rich background in advocacy. Previously, he was the Program and Volunteer Coordinator for the Florida Prison Education Project (FPEP), Co-Editor-In-Chief of the FPEP Post Magazine, and a Student Body Senator in the UCF Student Government. As an organizer, poet, and activist, Michael is dedicated to addressing class struggle and economic inequality, striving to mobilize working-class individuals toward a more equitable society. At FCHEP, he is committed to expanding and strengthening the network of organizations that provide higher education in prisons, aiming to enhance access and opportunity for incarcerated individuals.
Jack Blanton, a sophomore aerospace engineering student at UCF. I’ve been volunteering with SFEP since last spring and strongly believe in FCHEP’s mission to reduce recidivism by providing better education programs in prisons. I’ve donated books and written letters to prisoners when I was young and that has motivated me to be in the position I am now. I hope to be able to make a positive impact on our local community and encourage more people to help this wonderful organization.
Zachary Johnson, a first-year psychology major at the University of Central Florida from Melbourne, Florida. I’m excited to be part of FCHEP and educate more people about incarcerated Floridians while assisting in building our statewide coalition!