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So, I hope they show up but a couple of folks I used to know in the tech community in Columbus would travel down to Marion State Penitentiary every month or so

So, I hope they show up but a couple of folks I used to know in the tech community in Columbus would travel down to Marion State Penitentiary every month or so to teach programming to the inmates there. One guy they taught even got a job right out of prison, writing code as an intern. I’m certain he’s a senior or staff engineer now. Kenny, if you’re reading this speak up because folks need to hear your story and now is the time. Guy, and Will(?) too. Anyway, I’m pretty sure like all these Java books was because of Will(?) trying to bring them in for this program. They had to do some insane thing like photocopy individual pages or something to get around regulations. Apparently it is next to impossible to bring in any educational materials that can help inmates when they get out. Need more developers? Train some inmates.

davideads_tmp 3y ago
Hi there, I'm the editor of the piece. Me or someone on my team would like to chat with you if you're willing to talk about your experience and could give us some leads in finding a couple of those folks. Drop me a line: deads AT themarshallproject.org We have a bit of a rolodex of formerly incarcerated software engineers. One person talked with my team and said he needed prison to get sober, but he needed access to tech books to have a future afterwards. I think about that a lot when I see all the programming books banned in different state prisons -- it's not just Ohio.
- epiccoleman 3y ago
  The program was called Coding in the Clink, and if I remember right they even had a guest visit from Uncle Bob at some point. The people involved with the program were some of the best devs I've worked with in Columbus. A quick search for "Coding in the Clink" will turn up the names of many of those involved. Look for the name Dan, he'd be the guy I most strongly associate with CITC.
  - davideads_tmp 3y ago
    Thank you for this!

davideads_tmp 3y ago

Hi there, I'm the editor of the piece. Me or someone on my team would like to chat with you if you're willing to talk about your experience and could give us some leads in finding a couple of those folks. Drop me a line: deads AT themarshallproject.org We have a bit of a rolodex of formerly incarcerated software engineers. One person talked with my team and said he needed prison to get sober, but he needed access to tech books to have a future afterwards. I think about that a lot when I see all the programming books banned in different state prisons -- it's not just Ohio.

epiccoleman 3y ago
The program was called Coding in the Clink, and if I remember right they even had a guest visit from Uncle Bob at some point. The people involved with the program were some of the best devs I've worked with in Columbus. A quick search for "Coding in the Clink" will turn up the names of many of those involved. Look for the name Dan, he'd be the guy I most strongly associate with CITC.
- davideads_tmp 3y ago
  Thank you for this!