DOC celebrates graduation of its second cohort of The Last Mile

• Carolynn Stocker
• November 14 2024

Fourteen students graduated from The Last Mile (TLM) web development program at Montana State Prison. The cohort spent the last year learning technology skills, including web development, coding, and software engineering, to prepare them for high-demand jobs when they return to Montana communities. 

This program is the first of its kind in the state of Montana. Initial funding came from generous contributions from supporters, most notably, the Gianforte Family Foundation. TLM’s mission is to achieve an impact similar to what has been realized in other states where TLM operates.

Gianforte Family Foundation Executive Director Catherine Koenen said, "Recidivism rates in Montana and throughout the nation speak to the enormous need for incarcerated individuals to rebuild their lives in a significant way upon reentry to our communities. We're pleased to partner with The Last Mile in providing education and high-tech training and hope for some of our most vulnerable residents and their families." 

Graduates of the program shared the following about their experience:

“The Last Mile gave me hope when I had lost all hope of providing for my family, being a productive citizen and believing I had any purpose. It has provided me with unquestionable skills that I have become proficient with in software development.” Jerold Weller, TLM Graduate at Montana State Prison

“The Last Mile gave me purpose and helped me to see something in myself that I did not see before. Meeting the challenges raised my self-esteem. The Last Mile gave me tools to have a career in web design when I get out.” Clarence Cook, TLM Graduate at Montana State Prison

The Last Mile (TLM) is the leading provider of technology training programs and transitional support for incarcerated people across the country. The program offers comprehensive technology training that prepares students for the workforce upon release from prison. The graduation of this year’s TLM cohort at Montana State Prison was preceded by a full year of coursework through TLM’s cloud-based infrastructure. This supports a robust and ever-growing software suite, which provides students with industry-best-in-class toolings such as VS Code, GitLab, MongoDB, DevDocs, and more.

“The Last Mile appreciates the commitment and support of the Gianforte Family Foundation and the Department of Corrections in providing advanced technical training for incarcerated individuals in Montana,” said Kevin McCracken, Executive Director of The Last Mile. “We celebrate the success of this cohort at Montana State Prison and look forward to partnering with companies to offer TLM graduates opportunities for apprenticeships and employment. Collaborating with Governor Gianforte and the Montana 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.”

After their program completion, TLM’s Reentry Team supports individuals based on personalized plans to prepare them for a successful transition leading up to and after their release date. TLM graduates have a 75% employment rate within 6 months of release, largely with the support of TLM’s fair chance hiring partners in the business, media, and tech industries. Fair chance hiring is when an organization evaluates and hires candidates for roles based on their qualified skills instead of their history or record. These opportunities reduce recidivism and develop a stronger workforce in Montana.

“We are extremely proud of the individuals who dedicated themselves this past year to The Last Mile coding program,” said DOC Director Brian Gootkin. “When these students return to their Montana communities, they’ll be able to provide for themselves and their families with a high-paying career in the state’s growing tech industry.”