TLM Launch Coding Program in Montana

OCTOBER 25, 2022, DEER LODGE, MT – The Last Mile (TLM), the leading provider of technology training programs and transitional support for incarcerated people, has expanded its program to Montana. In honor of this launch, the Montana Department of Corrections co-hosted a ribbon cutting and classroom visit with The Last Mile Web Development Program’s program participants at Montana State Prison. 

“The Montana Department of Corrections is deeply grateful for the opportunity to offer The Last Mile coding program at Montana State Prison,” said DOC Director Brian Gootkin. “It is our mission to create a safer Montana through accountability, rehabilitation, and empowerment. TLM furthers that mission by not only providing participating incarcerated individuals with the skills to be successful upon release — graduates have a zero percent recidivism rate — but to fill in-demand positions in Montana’s growing tech industry.” 

Speakers included Governor Gianforte, Department of Corrections Director Brian Gootkin, and TLM Executive Director Sydney Heller. These key stakeholders drove the expansion and implementation of The Last Mile programming into Montana State Prison, with goals for expansion to drive workforce and technical skills for incarcerated people. 

 “It’s a great day in Montana as we formally welcome The Last Mile to the Montana State Prison,” Governor Greg Gianforte said. “This program will open doors to opportunity for graduates, reduce recidivism in our communities, and make Montana healthier and stronger.”

Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, attendees visited The Last Mile classroom to learn from the students about the program’s coursework since its launch on September 19, 2022. The Last Mile’s Web Development Program teaches students to create websites and full stack web applications using industry standard technologies, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Node, Express, and MongoDB. 

TLM’s Executive Director Sydney Heller shared, “Technology and web development have permeated every industry in the country. TLM delivers a program proven to provide real, modern educational opportunities to incarcerated folks, creating pathways into personal and professional success post release. Currently, 85% of TLM’s alumni are gainfully employed which is well above the national statistic for formerly incarcerated people.” 

Following release, TLM’s Reentry Department supports successful reintegration of returned citizens back into society, the workforce and their communities by providing business and technology resources, as well as employment opportunities through TLM’s network of fair chance employers which include industry leaders Slack Technologies, Zoom, Dropbox, Square, Lob, GoodRx, Pilot, and Checkr among others.

Follow-up Information

• Please refer to TLM’s language guide for guidance on using humanizing language when referring to justice-impacted people. 

About The Last Mile

Turn 2 U Inc. dba The Last Mile (TLM) 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, TLM is disrupting the system of mass incarceration across the United States. In-classroom curricula and course material 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 the technical education and with the support of TLM reentry staff, volunteers, and a community founded on shared lived experience.

The Last Mile is celebrating more than 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 are currently operating in 6 states and 16 facilities across the United States. TLM has been able to expand its purpose, To Imagine, Build and Open Doors, into other facilities through these partnerships as well as funding and employment opportunities from the technology sector, including Google.org, Slack, GitLab, Stand Together, Bank of America, Apple and more. 

The Last Mile statistics:

• TLM is currently in 6 states and 16 facilities and 24 classrooms
• TLM has served over 1000 students
• TLM has served over 400 returned citizens