Jake Gyllenhaal visited a string of prisons while researching his role in Brothers, and he was so impressive with the way young offenders are rehabilitated he keeps returning to help out with writing programs.

The Brokeback Mountain star, who plays a former juvenile delinquent in the film, spent time with convicted drug smugglers and murderers in an effort to determine what life behind bars is like for a teenager.
And he was so impressed with one writing program used to educate wayward teens, he now frequents a number of prisons on a regular basis in a bid to boost interest.

He tells Fox News, “My character (in Brothers) starts off in jail so I did a lot of research at LA County Jail, Lancaster State Prison and some juvenile state halls. I came across this incredible writing program for kids that are spending time in juvenile halls, 14 to 18-year-olds participate in this writing program and that really changed my perspective on the prison system and the people inside it. I have since been back many times to work on this writing program and with these kids. It’s so life changing and extraordinary.”

Source, Fame Pictures