For former inmates rentering society, technology can seem like a daunting hurdle to overcome, thankfully the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York offers Tech 101 to help former prisoners learn the tech they missed. Designed as a bridge between the criminal justice system and other sectors, such as employment and education, Tech 101 covers all the vital basics surrounding modern technology. The course is currently taught by Albert Fermin, a veteran prison course instructor who "teaches from the vantage point of really understanding the needs of people who were incarcerated."
Some of the subjects covered by Tech 101 include setting up Google accounts, using the Microsoft Office suite, setting up LinkedIn accounts, and getting an overview of social media. The course also helps people understand the lack of privacy on social media and how employers scan profiles when considering employees to hire.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Former Inmate Technology Education
- The trend of providing technology education to former inmates to prepare them for job opportunities and reintegrate them into society will continue to grow, creating opportunities for edtech companies to develop tailored programs and tools.
- Digital Inclusion Programs
- The trend of digital inclusion programs to bring technology access and education to underserved populations, such as former inmates, will expand, creating opportunities for tech companies and non-profits to partner and develop sustainable solutions.
- Privacy Education
- The trend of offering education on digital privacy and online reputation management will become increasingly important to prepare individuals, particularly former inmates, for the job market and protect their personal information online, creating opportunities for privacy-focused companies and education providers.
Sectors Adopting This
- Edtech
- Edtech companies can develop tailored technology education programs and tools to prepare former inmates for job opportunities and reintegrate them into society.
- Non-profit
- Non-profits can partner with tech companies to provide sustainable solutions for digital inclusion and technology education programs for underserved populations, such as former inmates.
- Privacy-focused Companies
- Privacy-focused companies can capitalize on the increasing need for education on digital privacy and online reputation management, particularly among former inmates preparing to enter the job market.
