Adnan Syed

Program Associate

Adnan Syed was sentenced to life in prison at the age of 17. While incarcerated, Adnan was fortunate to receive mentorship and guidance from older individuals who taught him the importance of striving to better himself and helping others. In 2022, Adnan was selected for the initial cohort of the Georgetown Bachelor of Liberal Arts program at the Patuxent Institution, and with the help of his dedicated professors and fellow students, he successfully completed two semesters. In September 2022, he was released from prison, and in March 2025 his sentence was reduced to time served under Maryland’s Juvenile Restoration Act.

Through his current role as Program Associate at PJI, Adnan supports the organization’s mission to offer education and job training for incarcerated people and returning citizens, and to advocate for wrongfully convicted individuals. PJI has played an important role in his own reintegration, and Adnan seeks to provide assistance to others as they return to their communities.