North Dakota’s Department of Corrections Celebrates Graduation of The Last Mile Coding Program at State Penitentiary

The Last Mile provides technology training for high-demand jobs to incarcerated individuals in facilities across the US

Last week, six students graduated from The Last Mile (TLM) web development program at North Dakota State Penitentiary. The small cohort spent the last year learning technology skills, including web development, coding, and software engineering, to prepare them for high-demand jobs when they return to North Dakota communities. This program is the first of its kind in the state of North Dakota. Initial funding came from a contract funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act grant administered by Job Service North Dakota.

“The Last Mile appreciates the commitment and support of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in providing advanced technical training for incarcerated individuals in North Dakota,” said Kevin McCracken, Executive Director of The Last Mile. “We celebrate the success of this cohort at North Dakota State Penitentiary and look forward to partnering with companies to offer TLM graduates opportunities for apprenticeships and employment. Collaborating with the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation exemplifies our shared commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration. Together, we are creating a path toward broader career opportunities and a more just and hopeful future for those impacted by the justice system.”

After their program completion, TLM’s Reentry Team supports individuals based on personalized plans to prepare them for a successful transition leading up to and after their release date. TLM graduates have a 75% employment rate within 6 months of release, largely with the support of TLM’s fair chance hiring partners in the business, media, and tech industries. Fair chance hiring is when an organization evaluates and hires candidates for roles based on their qualified skills instead of their history or record. These opportunities reduce recidivism and develop a stronger workforce in North Dakota.

Graduates of the program shared the following about their experience: 

“Communities are held together by common goals, mutual concern for others and each other, and shared values. The Last Mile Community has taught me one of the most valuable lessons ever: The most powerful tool that you can pass on to those around you is teaching and encouraging them to see their true potential. Empowering others is one of the greatest gifts that life has to offer.” –Simon Jacobson, The Last Mile Graduate

Entering this program has given me a new outlook, confidence, and hope. –Travis Nelson, The Last Mile Graduate

The Last Mile (TLM) is the leading provider of technology training programs and transitional support for incarcerated people across the country. The program offers comprehensive technology training that prepares students for the workforce upon release from prison. The graduation of this year’s TLM cohort at North Dakota State Penitentiary was preceded by a full year of coursework through TLM’s cloud-based infrastructure. This supports a robust and ever-growing software suite, which provides students with industry-best-in-class toolings such as VS Code, GitLab, MongoDB, DevDocs, and more.