The Last Mile

Paving The Road To Success

We believe that jobs are the key to
breaking the cycle of incarceration.

Two incarcerated students looking at computer monitor
EDUCATION

Our program focuses on training new skills to build projects and software applications.

Man looking over shoulder of incarcerated man at computer screen
VOCATION

TLM Works engineers code and ship software to paying clients while earning market comparable wages.

TLM executives, San Quentin warden, and CDCR staff cutting ribbon at San Quentin expansion
EXPANSION

We are highly requested across the country, with 17 program locations in six states.

WORKFORCE REENTRY

Through partnerships with tech companies, TLM Returned Citizens build upon their skills with paid apprenticeships.

EDUCATION

Learning Web Development

TLM’s approach is based on the premise that re-entry transitioning must begin during incarceration and continue post-release with the end result of gainful employment. Our programs are designed so that participants develop highly marketable personal and professional skills that are relevant and competitive in today’s business environment. The core curriculum includes HTML/CSS and JavaScript, WordPress, Node, AngularJS, React, and D3.js.

What the program provides

The curriculum provides software development training in two-6 month cohorts, Web Development Fundamentals and MERN Development.
Web Dev Fundamentals
  • HTML
  • CSS
  • Javascript
  • jQuery
  • Bootstrap
MERN Development
  • Node.js
  • React
  • Express
  • MongoDB and Mongoose
  • API Testing
Two incarcerated men looking at a monitor with code on it

VOCATION

Building Careers


Established 2016
Closed: 2020
Location: San Quentin State Prison
TLM Works was an innovative workforce development program created to provide graduates of our coding program the chance to gain real-life work experience and have a portfolio of work before they enter the tech job market post-release. TLM Works was the first-ever web development shop operating inside a US prison. Men and women who participated worked on client-funded projects such as including website development and applications, giving them a chance to demonstrate the skills they’ve learned and create a referenceable portfolio of work.
Founders of TLM standing with formerly incarcerated TLM graduates in classroom

EXPANSION

Not Just San Quentin

The Last Mile program is the first U.S. prison education program of its kind. We have successfully implemented our coding program in men’s, women’s, and youth facilities. Currently, software engineering training is offered in 17 facilities across six states. The curriculum provides front-end software training in two 6-month segments, with 8 hours of daily computer lab time.

Would you like to partner with The Last Mile?

What are the infrastructure & personnel requirements?

  • 18 – 25 student workstations
  • Minimum power requirements and outlets
  • Dedicated Internet connection to classroom
  • Internet compatible projector and screen, audio speakers and microphone
  • Minimum of 30 hours per week for student classroom lab time

What are the technical and infrastructure requirements? How do you maintain security?
The Last Mile plans to operate an integrated system that delivers educational content to incarcerated persons inside multiple secure prison facilities and allows access for administrative oversight and updates while maintaining strict security protocols.

One of the top concerns addressed is the strict requirement that program participants are not permitted access to the internet. This system is designed to create a securely sandboxed area that delivers an Internet-like experience to locally support the learning management platform.

How do you recommend funding a TLM program?
Each state has different requirements and resources available to source funding. In general, a combination of private funds by corporate sponsors, charitable foundations, and state funds through grants are the most viable funding options.How long does it take to implement a TLM program?
The timeline differs in each state and facility due to various needs, requirements, and space allocation. Six months is the minimum lead time expected to launch TLM in a new facility.
To implement a TLM program in your state, please contact us.

TLM Programs Across the Country

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC

WORKFORCE REENTRY

Building Careers

Through hiring, community, and government partners, The Last Mile aims to help turn the technology and business skills learned while incarcerated into careers. The Last Mile’s workforce re-entry program accelerates opportunities for Returned Citizens to find jobs in tech and business. In partnership with a top tier tech companies, TLM Returned Citizens continue their education and build upon their skills through paid apprenticeships while also shifting perceptions around formerly incarcerated individuals.
Through Next Chapter, our partnership with Slack, The Kellogg Foundation and FreeAmerica, we are building a year-long apprenticeship program to train and mentor graduates from The Last Mile — and in doing so, we hope to create a blueprint that other companies will use to train and hire talented people who have been incarcerated.
Would you like to become a hiring partner? Get in touch.
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