A university-prison program is under way to teach San Quentin inmates how to function in a computer-oriented society when they are released.
“We hope to teach basic computer literacy to individuals trapped in the ‘digital divide,’’ said West Hays, who along with Alayna Johnson coordinates a Democratic Educational Program (DeCal)
at the University of California, Berkeley “The longer one goes without knowing the basics (rudimentary computer skills, word processing, etc.), the wider the divide grows. To further bridge that gap we are also working with Mr. Saenz to develop a Computer-Aided Design program in the Machine Shop,” said Hays.
The DeCal is a student-organized course that sends 70 tutors every week to help inmates work toward their GED and other academic and professional goals. “S. Q. and UC Berkeley share a unique bond, in that there are brilliant individuals being underutilized in both places.” Hays also added, “I am amazed by the level of talent and commitment the students from San Quentin display everyday. They possess professional skills and sharp intellects that are a scarce commodity in the world today, and we need them back in the community to share their strengths.”
The DeCal won first place in the state-wide technology competition, and contributes their success to taking a unique approach to IT. “Alayna lent a creative, human angle to our proposal that the judges really appreciated,” said Hays. Along with CAD tutor Erik McDonald, Johnson created a nine foot tall model cell, with a laptop trapped inside. Displayed on the screen was their lab design, and wrapping around the cell was their proposal, asserting that too many bright and talented inmates reenter after parole. Seeing examples of the essays they write, and the art they create, and the goods they manufacture, the DeCal believes these men are better-suited for a life outside prison walls. They believe that San Quentin is brimming with minds that would better serve society from the outside. Lastly, they asserted that computer training is essential in helping parolees meet their own goals to live unchained in a society that clearly counts them out.
Vice-Principal Frank Kellum of S. Q.’s education department said recently, “The state has launched its eApply4UI system for unemployed benefits, and that in the future even if an applicant wishes to complete a paper claim they may have to first access it electronically and then print it themselves. How can someone who has never used a computer complete this task? Basic computer skills have become a necessity to function in the world today, and we hope to teach these lessons on the computers we bring into the prison.
Hays is quick to point out, “Of course we rely heavily on prison staff participation. And that if it was not for Vice-Principal Kellum it would be difficult to bridge the gap between UC Berkeley and San Quentin semester after semester. In addition, if not for Ms. Ficarra’s ability to coordinate and place us within various classrooms on the prison side, we would be absolutely sunk!”