Transforming Lives: Inmates in Rhode Island Learn Tech Skills to Break the Cycle of Recidivism

A New Opportunity Behind Bars

Inmates at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston, Rhode Island, are participating in a groundbreaking coding and web development program called The Last Mile. This initiative, established over a decade ago at San Quentin prison in California, aims to equip prisoners with high-skilled tech jobs to reduce the likelihood of reoffending.

The Journey of Benjamin Delacruz

Benjamin Delacruz, a former inmate, shared his struggles of finding stable employment after incarceration. After being sentenced to eight years in prison for drug-related charges, he decided to turn his life around. He began teaching himself programming while incarcerated, which led him to enroll in The Last Mile's class. Delacruz stated, "I saw that as an opportunity to continue what I had started."

Learning the Ropes of Web Development

Delacruz and his classmates learn to create websites and build games from scratch, five days a week. The program has adapted to prison regulations, utilizing a closed-circuit intranet that allows students to work from laptops in their cells without outside internet access.

Breaking Down Barriers

According to Wayne Salisbury, director of the R.I. Department of Corrections, the program is essential in breaking down barriers for inmates upon their release. While The Last Mile is the only computer-based training available in Rhode Island prisons, its success is notable, with 75% of participants in other states finding employment after release.

Success Stories

Eric Petross, another former student, was released after serving seven years for domestic violence. He continues his coding education and has already secured freelance work as a web developer. Both Delacruz and Petross emphasize their desire to change their lives and be better for their families.

Promising Results

The recidivism rate in Rhode Island has decreased in recent years, with 44% of inmates released in 2020 returning to prison within three years. In contrast, The Last Mile boasts a 5% recidivism rate among its graduates, showcasing the program's effectiveness in fostering sustainable employment and breaking the cycle of incarceration.

Looking Ahead

The Last Mile continues to expand, with 21 classrooms nationwide, aiming to offer this transformative education to more inmates. Delacruz, hopeful for his future, aspires to teach for The Last Mile and pursue a degree in computer science. He believes, "This is not happening again. The sky’s the limit."