Celebrating Success: The Last Mile Graduation Ceremony at Rhode Island’s John J. Moran Medium Security Facility September 3, 2025 PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Shaun Osburn, The Last Mile – shaun.osburn@thelastmile.org – 415.209.5444 The Last Mile provides technology training for high-demand jobs to incarcerated individuals in facilities across the US Cranston, RI. – On September 3, 2025, the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) hosted a transformative graduation ceremony at its John J. Moran Medium Security Facility for participants in The Last Mile program, a pioneering initiative designed to provide incarcerated individuals with current employment and entrepreneurship skills. This event marked the culmination of dedicated effort and hard work by students who have engaged in rigorous training, showcased their talents, and embraced new opportunities in high-demand jobs upon returning to Rhode Island communities. “The Last Mile values the commitment and support of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in providing advanced technical training for incarcerated individuals in Rhode Island,” said Kevin McCracken, Executive Director of The Last Mile. “We celebrate the success of this cohort at Rhode Island’s John J. Moran Medium Security Facility and look forward to partnering with companies to offer The Last Mile graduates opportunities for apprenticeships and employment. Collaborating with the Rhode Island Department of Corrections 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.” Graduates shared the profound impact that The Last Mile program has had on them and thanked the classroom facilitators who have guided them throughout the program. For their part, facilitators and RIDOC staff highlighted the importance of programs like The Last Mile, and the crucial role the collaboration of employers and community partners play in providing jobs and support for program graduates. “This event marks a very important accomplishment in the lives of these graduates, signaling the culmination of months of hard work and steadfast determination. Completion of The Last Mile program is an important step towards successful reentry back into their communities and contributes in a positive way to reduce the recidivism rate in our State. We encourage participants to take full advantage of rehabilitative programs like this one, as they provide its graduates with opportunities to learn current in-demand skills, to help support themselves and their families once they leave our institutions.” –Wayne T. Salisbury Jr., Director of the Rhode Island Department of Corrections. About The Last Mile The Last Mile is an Oakland, CA based 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to provide opportunities for personal and professional growth for justice-impacted individuals through education and technology training. Through prison education, transitional support, and workforce reentry, The Last Mile is disrupting the system of mass incarceration across the United States. In-class curricula and course materials prepare students for meaningful employment in modern job roles, including web development, software engineering, and audio and video production. Students cultivate personal and professional development in alignment with technical education, with the support of The Last Mile reentry staff, volunteers, and a community founded on shared lived experiences. The Last Mile is celebrating over a decade as an organization, originating with its first program in San Quentin State Prison in California. The Last Mile has continued to leverage the power of public-private partnerships with Departments of Corrections and industry-leading companies. Programs operate in 8 states and 13 facilities across the United States. The Last Mile has expanded its purpose to Imagine, Build, and Open Doors in other facilities through partnerships, securing funding and employment opportunities from the technology sector. These include notable partners such as Ken Griffin, Google.org, Slack, GitLab, Stand Together Foundation, Bank of America, Apple, and more. The Last Mile Impact The Last Mile is currently in 8 states and 13 facilities The Last Mile has served over 1,500 students The Last Mile has served 929 returned citizens For media inquiries or to confirm your attendance, please contact Shaun Osburn.