Last Mile Program Bringing Technology and Social Media to San Quentin State Prison Inmates

The San Francisco area is well known for being the major technology hub in the U.S., but it is also home to the historically over -crowded San Quentin State Prison. The Last Mile Program is trying to bridge the gap between the two.

Inmates will always have a bad stigma attached to them, but the reality is that most will eventually leave prison and have to enter back into society. With lack of resources, many have a hard time doing so, especially with new technology advances having changed since they entered. The Last Mile Program is giving qualified inmates the opportunity to learn various technology skills that could potentially land them a paid position within the Silicon Valley technology sector.

The Last Mile Program, co-founded by Chris Redlitz and Beverley Parent, provides training in verbal and written communication, business formation, presentation, and computer skills. But it isn’t offered to every inmate.

Those who are interested have to complete an application process, demonstrate adequate communication skills, complete the TRUST or MOMAS program, enroll in the Prison University Project, and be recommended by an administrator at the San Quentin prison.

The Last Mile Program consists of five subject areas that include: The Evolving Digital Marketplace, Building a Knowledge Base, Practical Technology Training, Guest Advisors, and last Building Your Dream Business.

In addition, the Last Mile is also directly connecting inmates with social media. Through volunteers, inmates are able to tweet, blog, and engage in communication with society via Quora.

Quora works best for the inmates because they are able to answer questions directly and honestly opposed to just sounding off random thoughts on Twitter, Facebook, or a blog. People ask real questions in hopes for the real answers and most are provided with them.

To learn more about The Last Mile Program visit TheLastMileSq.com.

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