Project Pivot

06/16/2021

Great story we'd like to share showing how the largest private company in the US, Koch Industries, is setting a great example by practicing second chance hiring.

Monica Stopczynski was hiring for an open manufacturing position at Koch Industries when she found a young man whose job skills and enthusiastic attitude made him a perfect fit. She made him an offer and set up a routine background check. That’s when the rosy scenario dimmed.

11/24/2020

We are excited to meet with representatives at The Last Mile next week to discuss their expansion process and how we might bring their programs into South Dakota or Minnesota.

If you haven't heard of TLM, please check out their website and consider supporting their efforts to change lives through tech.

They started with one program in San Quentin but now have 23 programs across six states which train inmates to be web developers and help prepare them for success when they are released. Close to 70% of released prisoners re-offend within 5 years, but TLM has had a 0% rate of recidivism thus far.

Paving The Road To Success

11/18/2020

Excellent summary of the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) by the University of South Dakota. Prior to 2014 when South Dakota expanded the use of JDAI and other programs we were often 1st or 2nd in per capita incarceration rates. https://www.usd.edu/-/media/files/business/kids-count/facts-on-kids/2015/factsjuvenilejustice.ashx?la=en.