San Quentin’s newest program, The Last Mile, teaches incarcerated men advanced business ideas and technology. Prisoners learn to use social media to tweet, blog, answer questions and connect with professional investors.
Kathleen Jackson, a highly respected mentor to incarcerated men, set up the program. Jackson collaborated with Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti, venture capitalists from Silicon Valley to create the program’s curriculum.
“The mission of The Last Mile program is to bridge the gap between the penal system and the technology business sector,” said Redlitz. “The goal of the program is to provide practical training so that participants have marketable business skills upon release. The program trains selected prisoners for potential employment in a paid internship program within the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley technology sector, and also helps them develop business ideas that they can pursue in the future. Training includes verbal and written communication and presentation skills, business formation and operation processes, and computer proficiency.”
Parenti said, “Prior to coming inside of San Quentin, my perception was formed by the media – never a first-hand experience until meeting the men of The Last Mile.”
The current program has five men, who were invited and accepted through a specific selection process.
The men were considered for participation after demonstrating adequate communication skills, completing advanced prosocial programs, participating in the Prison University Project, and being recommended by San Quentin’s administration.
The current members include James Houston, Eric “Phil” Phillips, Chrisfino Kenyatta Leal, James “JC” Cavitt and David Monroe.
The men commented on the impact that The Last Mile has had on their lives.
Phillips said, “My project is a music production idea that I expect to be a part of the next generation of the social media.”
“The Last Mile is the bridge that connects incarcerated men with the technology sector,” said Cavitt. “I see this as a huge blessing, not only to show that I have what it takes, but to also show those in the business sector that guys incarcerated have what it takes to succeed in the business world.”
“This program gives me the tools and confidence, after doing so much time in prison, to believe that I will be successful in society, once I am released.,” Houston said.
Monroe said, “I think that The Last Mile represents hope. I came to prison when I was 15, so I had no knowledge or skills about the working world. This program gives me the confidence that I can be returned to my community with the skills that I need to succeed. .”
“The Last Mile is a unique opportunity for me to learn some fundamental skills revolving around business and technology. It is my hope to take what I’ve learned from this program and use it upon my release. My project is a special combination of sports and cutting edge technology,” said Leal.
