Please discuss today’s discussion from Raechel Bosch and Jerry Leverette from the NYU Prison Eduation Program. How do you think technology is used for positive and negative ends within the prison system?
Allowing incarcerated persons to learn computer science is an incredible way to ensure rehabilitation and increase the amount of doors open for them when they are released. A skill like computer science is truly an asset in this market; being able to have that skill out of prison already puts those released in a better space for employers than many who have never even been incarcerated.
This doesn’t only apply to finding jobs out of prison. Many who are released from prison with this skillset may choose to further their education in computer science for the purpose of starting their own company or team.
Leaving prison with a skill like computer science is good for both morale of self and the addition of many new potential opportunities upon release.
Unfortunately, a lot of technology is still limited to the incarcerated. There is no internet access (which I believe, today, is a human right), which can mean that those incarcerated may be taught in a space less conducive to inspiration and deeper connection with the art of computer science. Although I spoke about how learning computer science may put them ahead of a lot of people who haven’t even been incarcerated, it must also be noted that this limited learning environment may put them in a different, more difficult learning curve than the average student of computer science (independent or through an educational institution). Continuing to increase the quality of education of the incarcerated is a focus and area of work that I would love to hear more people involved in / interested in.
Diversity+Tech 