Formation & The Last Mile: Helping Former Inmates Find Tech Jobs

This article explores the collaborative efforts of Formation, a tech interview preparation platform, and The Last Mile (TLM), a non-profit organization that teaches coding skills to inmates. Together, they are tackling the challenge of recidivism by providing formerly incarcerated individuals with the skills and support necessary to secure tech jobs.

• The partnership between Formation and TLM provides a unique opportunity for former inmates to gain the technical skills and career guidance they need to transition successfully into the tech industry.
• The Last Mile has a proven track record in reducing recidivism rates among its graduates, with less than 5% returning to prison.

The Impact of Employment on Recidivism

Finding a job after incarceration is a significant challenge for formerly incarcerated individuals. However, employment plays a crucial role in reducing recidivism rates. According to Prison to Employment Connection, individuals employed for one year post-release have a significantly lower recidivism rate compared to those who remain unemployed.

Formation: Bridging the Gap Between Education and Employment

Formation's innovative platform adapts its training curriculum to individual skill levels, ensuring that each student receives personalized instruction tailored to their specific needs and industry standards.

• Formation’s platform provides a comprehensive approach to job preparation, including resume writing, interview skills development, and negotiation guidance.
• The company's personalized training approach has proven successful, with students on average increasing their compensation by over $100,000.

The Last Mile: Providing Skills and Support

The Last Mile’s coding program provides incarcerated individuals with valuable skills and knowledge in web development fundamentals and game programming.

• TLM’s re-entry program offers comprehensive support to former inmates, including life skills coaching, housing assistance, mental health referrals, and legal services.
• The organization’s focus on equipping individuals with the skills and resources they need to succeed contributes significantly to their successful reintegration into society.

A Collaborative Approach to Reducing Recidivism

The partnership between Formation and The Last Mile showcases a powerful approach to reducing recidivism and empowering formerly incarcerated individuals. By providing access to tech education, job preparation, and ongoing support, this collaboration helps individuals build a path towards a successful future, reducing the likelihood of returning to prison.

• The program has already helped two TLM graduates secure tech jobs, and they are working to expand the program to reach more individuals.
• This initiative highlights the transformative potential of combining education, skills development, and job placement to create a positive impact on the lives of formerly incarcerated individuals.

The Future of Tech Jobs for Former Inmates

The growing demand for tech talent presents a promising opportunity for formerly incarcerated individuals to build successful careers in the industry. By providing them with the skills and support they need, programs like Formation and The Last Mile are helping to create a more inclusive and equitable tech workforce. As more organizations adopt this collaborative approach, we can expect to see a decrease in recidivism rates and an increase in opportunities for individuals who have been impacted by the justice system.