Tech Sector Leaders Visit Montana State Prison to Meet The Last Mile's First Technology Training Cohort
On September 28, 2023, 17 inmates at Montana State Prison graduated from the first cohort of The Last Mile, an innovative technology training program supported by Governor Gianforte that aims to disrupt the cycle of incarceration through technology education.
September 28, 2023
By Christina Henderson
On September 28, 2023, 17 inmates at Montana State Prison graduated from the first cohort of The Last Mile, an innovative technology training program supported by Governor Gianforte that aims to disrupt the cycle of incarceration through technology education. The Last Mile reduces recidivism by teaching justice-impacted individuals to create websites and full-stack web applications using industry-standard technologies, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Node, Express, and MongoDB as well as employability skills.
On September 19, program directors invited a small group of tech leaders to visit with students, learn about the program, and offer feedback on whether The Last Mile graduates could be a truly viable and accessible labor source for Montana companies. Individuals attending included Ed Weymouth, Developer with Workiva in Missoula, Spencer Cornish, Senior Software Engineer with Workiva in Bozeman, Derek Eaton, Managing Director with IIInigence in Billings, and Christina Henderson, MHTBA Executive Director.
"The trip to Montana State Prison was an incredible experience," said Derek Eaton, Managing Director with IIInigence in Billings and Board Member of the Montana High Tech Business Alliance. "It was truly eye-opening, and I am thankful for being a part of it. The hospitality we encountered and the inspiring work of The Last Mile deeply moved me. I am eager to actively participate in planning and providing support for crucial next steps, working together to aid the inmates with their transition into our communities."
MHTBA leaders are continuing conversations with program leaders for The Last Mile to connect employers with the program and students. If you would like to learn more or participate in future employer visits to The Last Mile program, email MHTBA Executive Director Christina Henderson at director[at]mthightech.org
About the Publisher: Launched in 2014, the Montana High Tech Business Alliance is a nonpartisan nonprofit association of more than 200 high tech and manufacturing companies and affiliates creating high-paying jobs in Montana. For more information, visit MTHighTech.org or subscribe to our newsletter.