About The Last Mile The Last Mile is the Future of Workforce Development, preparing incarcerated individuals for successful reentry through business and technology training. The Problem The US contains 5% of the world’s population 25% of the world’s incarcerated population Since the 1970s, our prison population has grown 700% Prison spending for state and federal institutions is nearly $80 BILLION a year Recidivism is over 60% Why This Story Matters Now The U.S. is facing a critical labor shortage, with millions of unfilled skilled trade jobs. At the same time, over 600,000 people reenter society each year, often without viable career pathways. The Last Mile is building a model that addresses both crises simultaneously—with measurable success. This is not just a prison story. It’s a workforce story, a public safety story, and an economic story. Impact Metrics Students Served: 1600+ Current Students: 300 Returned Citizens: 1000+ Recidivism Rate: 9% Locations: 7 states, 12 facilities, and 17 classrooms The Transformation Students of The Last Mile have access to laptops, structured coursework, and career pathways inside a secure cloud environment – a radical departure from traditional corrections models. A first-of-its-kind AI-powered training simulator is now being used by The Last Mile inside SQRC classrooms. What’s New & Newsworthy For the first time, The Last Mile is opening its model to other educational programs through its Service Delivery Platform—a secure, cloud-based ecosystem that enables organizations to deliver high-quality education and training within correctional facilities. This scalable platform enables: Real-time and virtual instruction, eliminating waitlists for classes Data tracking from intake to reentry Evidence-based parole and workforce outcomes This is not a pilot—it’s a replicable national model. Expansion into skilled trades (beginning with roofing & solar installation)—directly tied to labor shortages Introduction of AI-driven training tools inside prisons. Key Story Ideas The Redemption EconomyHow incarcerated individuals are becoming part of the solution to America’s workforce crisis. Death Row to Tech RowAmerica’s largest Death Row has been replaced by a hub for innovation, education, and job training. The ROI of RehabilitationLower recidivism = safer communities + reduced taxpayer costs. The Future of Work—From Inside Prison WallsAI, business management, and skilled training are happening where few would expect. Public-Private Innovation in CorrectionsHow TLM and California are redefining what’s possible. Voices & Access We can provide: Interviews with program participants of The Last Mile (inside SQRC) Returned citizens who are gainfully employed in tech and various industries Leadership from The Last Mile and Government partners Insight into Governor Newsom’s rehabilitation vision in action