By Arti Finn

Co-founder of APDS and Corrections Reform Advocate

In the vast landscape of social reform, the power of education stands tall. As the co-founder of APDS and an ambassador for the 2nd Chances @ Work campaign, my mission is rooted in the belief that education, bolstered by career readiness, can unlock potential, transform trajectories, and rebuild lives for the estimated 1.77M individuals currently incarcerated in the U.S.

In 2014, I co-founded APDS with a singular mission: to prepare every justice-impacted individual for a sustainable career. We know the power of education; those participating in postsecondary education programs are 48% less likely to be re-incarcerated. By offering custom educational pathways and career training, we equip individuals incarcerated with the tools they need to thrive upon reentry into society.

“Education goes beyond the classroom;  it nurtures personal growth, critical thinking, and the development of essential life skills.”
Arti Finn, Co-Founder APDS

It also has the remarkable ability to empower individuals, instill hope, and open doors to new opportunities. As such,  at APDS, education is synonymous  with career readiness and life skill development for successful reentry.

To ensure that incarcerated individuals regain their sense of purpose and are given the tools and resources needed to rebuild their lives upon release after using our course, APDS commits itself to creating tailored innovative educational solutions. By leveraging digital technology and co-creating curriculum with formerly incarcerated teachers and experts, we ensure that our programs are relevant, engaging, and impactful. And, we ensure our technology leverages data to track and monitor outcomes and must be paired with support.

Unfortunately we also know that the current correctional system has numerous barriers for incarcerated individuals seeking education from limited access to educational resources, overcrowded facilities, and restrictive policies. Futhermore, education alone cannot bring about transformative change within the correctional system.  Hence, a comprehensive approach that addresses broader issues such as mental health support, addiction treatment, and effective reentry programs is required. Collaboration among educators, policymakers, correctional officers, and community stakeholders is crucial in implementing effective corrections reform initiatives. As advocates for change, we are responsible for breaking down these barriers and creating an environment that nurtures personal growth, empowers individuals, and allows them to reach their full potential. Collectively, we can create a system that improves outcomes, promotes rehabilitation, reduces recidivism rates, and fosters safer and more inclusive communities.

As co-founder of APDS and a dedicated advocate for corrections reform, I remain committed to creating programmatic opportunities that empower incarcerated individuals and provide them with the tools needed to build a brighter future. I invite you to join in on our efforts to continue to push for change, support transformative education, and work towards a more just and inclusive society for all.

By Harris Ferrell

Chief Executive Officer at APDS 

The dynamic labor market holds a vast, untapped resource in justice-impacted individuals. Despite facing societal barriers and stigmas, these folks have proven to be among the hardest workers and committed employees. In fact, 85% of human resources executives and 81% of business leaders report that justice-impacted individuals perform the same as, or better than, employees without a past conviction.

We stand at a societal crossroads: Will we continue to perpetuate the cycles of incarceration, or will we adopt a pragmatic, inclusive approach to reintegration?

As employers, we play a crucial role in shaping an equitable workforce – actively recruiting and hiring qualified people, even if they have an arrest or conviction record. This transcends a narrow approach of having “diversity quotas” – it’s about creating equal opportunities to succeed and acknowledging that there is untapped potential to be realized at our company. 

We have the power to break the cycle of incarceration and influence a future where every individual, regardless of their past, has a chance to contribute, grow, and succeed.

By integrating justice-impacted individuals onto our team at APDS, we’ve seen firsthand how they enhance diversity, spark innovation, and enable us to tap into an undervalued talent pool that strengthens our company. This shift towards inclusivity signals our collective commitment to social change, empowering all individuals to contribute their skills, experience, and unique perspectives to our evolving workforce. 

It’s not just about giving justice-impacted individuals a second chance—it’s about giving our companies and communities the opportunity to thrive through the strengths, insights, and perseverance these individuals bring. 

Join us in advocating for a more inclusive and equitable workforce by supporting 2nd chance hiring. Sign the APDS 2nd Chances at Work campaign pledge today. Let’s build a future where everyone has a chance to shine and shape our companies, communities and world for the better.

KIMONTI CARTER
Community Activist and Founder of Taking Education and Creating History (T.E.A.C.H.)

I am Kimonti Carter, a 2nd Chances at Work Ambassador, Community Activist, and the Founder of Taking Education and Creating History (T.E.A.C.H.), a prisoner self-education program supported by APDS.

At the age of 18, I was sentenced to life without parole and spent 25 years and three months of my life in a federal prison. During this time, education became my lifeline.  It became the catalyst that propelled me to become a leader, mentor, and teacher. The remarkable transformation I experienced, both personally and professionally, reaffirmed education’s critical role in reshaping lives. Today, I want to shed light on the profound importance of education in breaking the cycle of incarceration and bridging the employment gap.

Addressing Educational Barriers 

During my time behind bars, I experienced firsthand the numerous barriers incarcerated individuals face in accessing education. In prisons across the United States, incarcerated individuals are often denied access to educational services if their sentences exceed a certain duration. This denial of education perpetuates the cycle of incarceration and limits opportunities for personal growth. To combat this, I founded T.E.A.C.H., uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds and promoting education as a means of social liberation.

Closing the Employment Gap

Education should encompass more than just academic knowledge; it should provide practical job skills and career training for incarcerated individuals. Closing the employment gap is crucial for their successful reentry into society and reducing recidivism rates. APDS is leading the way by preparing justice-impacted learners for sustainable careers and economic independence.

The transformative power of education cannot be overstated for individuals seeking a second chance at work after incarceration. By breaking down educational barriers within the prison system and providing comprehensive career skills and employment training, we empower justice-impacted individuals to successfully reintegrate into society and break free from the cycle of incarceration. 

Join me in advocating for 2nd chances, where education becomes the catalyst for liberation, offering everyone the opportunity to thrive in their careers and lives. Together, we can create a future where no one’s past defines their potential.

Take action today and sign the pledge to support 2nd Chances at Work!

Kimonti Carter serves as an educational consultant and curriculum creator at APDS. He is also the subject of the award-winning film, Since I Been Down, which illustrates the societal conditions that lead children to gang violence, the personal transformation that is possible through accountability and healing, and the liberatory power of education. 

Ambassador:  Romicha Cooper, Director of Talent, APDS

As a Human Resource professional, implementing the best practices in hiring and addressing the skills gap for fair chance employment is of paramount importance. 

I believe fair chance employment provides opportunities for justice-impacted men and women with a criminal record, giving them a second chance to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society. 

I understand the impact of collateral consequences on individuals who are justice-involved. Felony convictions can result in barriers to gaining meaningful employment, education, housing and other basic human needs that are essential to re-enter the workforce successfully.  Second Chance hiring helps mitigate those barriers, and is essential as a best practice to promote an equitable workforce.

Here are a few crucial reasons why 2nd Chances at Work matters from a human resources point of view: 

1. By considering candidates with a felony record, HR departments can access a wider talent pool that may have been previously overlooked. This inclusion promotes diversity, bringing in unique perspectives, experiences, and skills that can enhance the overall organizational culture and performance. 

2. Many individuals with a felony record face significant barriers to employment, including limited access to education and job opportunities. By offering fair chance employment, HR teams can help bridge the skills gap by providing training, mentorship, and support to these individuals. This not only benefits the individuals themselves but also addresses the larger societal issue of reintegration and reducing recidivism. 

3. Implementing second chance employment practices demonstrates a commitment to fostering an empathetic and inclusive work environment. It sends a message that the organization values second chances, personal growth, and rehabilitation. This can have a positive impact on employee morale, engagement, and retention, as employees feel that they work for an organization that genuinely cares about its people. 

4. Many organizations have a social responsibility to give back to their communities and address social issues. By embracing second chance employment, companies can actively contribute to reducing the cycle of poverty and crime, promoting community development, and creating a more equitable society. This aligns with the values of corporate social responsibility and can enhance the organization’s reputation and brand image. 

5. In some jurisdictions, there are legal obligations and regulations that prohibit discrimination against individuals with a felony record, except in specific circumstances. HR professionals need to stay informed about relevant laws and ensure compliance in their hiring practices. By incorporating second chance employment initiatives, HR departments can proactively navigate these legal requirements and mitigate the risk of discrimination claims. 

 

At APDS 15% of our workforce is justice-impacted. It is a part of our core values to understand that no one is defined by a single story; a growth mindset empowers success; and that we never charge the justice-impacted or their families.

Overall, I believe prioritizing 2nd Chances at Work employment and addressing the skills gap through best practices in all employment sectors is crucial from an HR perspective. It enables organizations to tap into a diverse talent pool, bridge the skills gap, foster an inclusive community and culture, fulfill social responsibility, and comply with legal requirements. By embracing 2nd chance employment, HR departments can contribute to positive social change while simultaneously benefiting their organizations through increased diversity, employee engagement, and overall performance. 

And, from a human perspective, hiring 2nd Chance employees allows the justice-impacted an opportunity to garner equity in the workplace, to rebuild their lives and provide for themself and their families.

Say ‘Yes’ to 2nd Chances! 

Article by APDS Ambassador
Chris Wilson
Serial Social Entrepreneur, Storyteller, Artist, Social Justice Advocate, Author

Reintegrating into society after incarceration poses a formidable challenge for many individuals. Among the numerous obstacles they encounter, securing stable employment stands out as one of the most crucial, in an environment and around people that support healthy habits. It helps them rebuild their lives and plays a significant role in reducing recidivism rates and fostering a safer and more inclusive community.

I was released from prison after serving 16 years on a Life sentence and I found myself facing new challenges.  There was an unrealistic expectation of me to find a job immediately,  find a place to stay and check in with my probation officer twice a week. This is a very common scenario for returning citizens. Fortunately, I was prepared to meet these challenges. 

Early in my incarceration, I decided that I wanted to turn my life around. I knew deep down inside I was a good person and wanted to prove it. I wanted to prove it  myself and to my family.  I began to imagine a new future for myself. I started to view my prison sentence as an opportunity to mold myself into a new person. I imagined myself being released one day and becoming a successful entrepreneur that helped people in the community. So I decided to create a master plan utilizing every educational and therapeutic opportunity available to me inside of the prison I was in. My mentor told me “The knowledge you put in your head could never be taken away from you.” I committed to my plan for over a decade. 

Ten years into my incarceration I had accomplished a lot. I earned a high school diploma, and a college degree in sociology, read hundreds of books, took vocational trades, became a mentor and taught myself to read, write and speak in several foreign languages. Because of my accomplishments, good behavior and remorse for my crime, I was given a second chance to live my life and was released from prison.   

Today, I have been out in society for 11 years. I have continued to pursue post-secondary educational opportunities, I’ve founded several companies that have helped hundreds of people gain employment in Baltimore City. I’ve become a successful visual artist and advocate for prison education and career readiness strategies that help people impacted by our criminal justice system.  The bottom line is that education, therapy and having a plan changed my mindset. It gave me a second chance to live my life. I am now obligated to champion the powers of knowledge. 

Offering opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals through employment and education is  vital to their successful reintegration into society. Research shows that only 16% of individuals are likely to recidivate when employed. To achieve this, we must dismantle stigmas, advocate for fair policies, provide education and skill development programs, collaborate with nonprofits, and implement inclusive hiring practices. By taking these measures, we can build a society that values redemption, lowers recidivism rates, and ensures a more equitable future.

Everyone deserves a second chance and by working together, we can break down barriers and create a brighter future for all. Join us in this vital work; together we can create a more just and equitable society. 

Unite with APDS to create opportunities for Justice-Impacted and 2nd Chance Living Wage Employers. 

Chris Wilson is also the founder of the Chris Wilson Foundation, which supports social entrepreneurs and prison education, including re-entry and financial literacy for returning citizens, as well as art-related programs.

By Arti Finn, Host and Co-Founder APDS

I am thrilled to announce the launch of the APDS 2nd CHANCE Podcast, a community voice dedicated to changing corrections for good, and a new venture that I will personally host. Through this platform, I will speak with some of the most important change agents in corrections and highlight the critical work to educate and help justice-impacted individuals prepare for a living-wage career. Our guests will include policymakers, educators, advocates, change agents and most importantly, those who have been directly impacted by the justice system. Together we’ll discuss innovative programs, share personal stories, and explore strategies for changing the corrections system for good. 

Today, 83% of our nation’s incarcerated population have no access to programming. Additionally, approximately 70% of formerly incarcerated individuals remain unemployed one year after their release. Most justice-impacted individuals are released with little resources or skills, leading to alarming recidivism rates nationwide.  The company I co-founded, APDS, focuses on changing this by reskilling the incarcerated justice-impacted through education technology.  By providing the tools to everyone and individualizing our approach, we support everyone in their quest to earn a living wage career and contribute to society.

In 2014, when we started the company, we focused on bringing the best online education to incarcerated learners in order to help prepare them for re-entry better than when they entered the corrections system. Over the last nine years, our evidence-based EdTech curriculum has reached thousands of incarcerated learners at no cost to them or their families. But the opportunity to amplify our impact is what propels us forward.

With the 2nd Chance Podcast, we hope to amplify the voices that need to be heard and inspire change that is long overdue. 

Whether you’re in corrections reform, an advocate for social change, or simply someone who cares about the well-being of our society, I invite you to join APDS and I on this journey of exploration and discovery. Tune in to the 2nd Chance Podcast, available now on all major podcast platforms, and join us in our mission to create a brighter future for justice-impacted individuals. Together, we can break down barriers and become the voice of change to educate and create a pathway to earn a living wage career, changing corrections for good!

Available on all podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music.

Julian Blair knew nothing about cloud computing when he became incarcerated in a Washington, D.C. jail more than two years ago.

“I’d never done anything with a computer besides video games, typing papers in college, and downloading music on an iPad,” said Blair.

Now, after three months of work with an educational program led by APDS and Amazon Web Services (AWS) inside the jail, Blair and 10 other residents at the facility have successfully passed the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam.

Read more: https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/aws/this-aws-cloud-certification-program-opens-new-paths-for-inmates