Building Bridges: Developing a Comprehensive Technology Reentry Curriculum for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
Leveraging Experience to Create Pathways for Success
As a proud member of the National Board of Advisors for The Petey Greene Program and the FICGN Governance Board, I’m thrilled to share an initiative that represents the culmination of my personal journey and professional mission. Over the past several months, I’ve been entrusted with a transformative responsibility: developing a comprehensive technology reentry curriculum specifically designed for formerly incarcerated individuals.
This project isn’t just another professional achievement—it’s the manifestation of my belief that technology education can be a powerful vehicle for redemption, opportunity, and lasting societal contribution.
The Vision: A Multi-Tiered Technology Education Pathway
When the board approached me with this challenge, I immediately recognized both its significance and potential. The vision was clear: create a structured, accessible technology education pathway inspired by Columbia Business School’s Justice Through Code program, but tailored specifically to address the unique needs and challenges faced by returning citizens.
The approved curriculum follows a progressive, three-tiered approach:
- Digital Literacy Foundation (COMPLETED)
- Basic computer skills and internet navigation
- Introduction to productivity software
- Online communication tools and etiquette
- Digital security and personal information protection
- Job search and application tools in the digital environment
- Intermediate Technology Skills (75% COMPLETE)
- Fundamentals of programming concepts
- Web development basics (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
- Data literacy and basic analysis
- Project management tools and methodologies
- Collaborative technology environments
- Advanced Technology Mastery (IN DEVELOPMENT)
- Full-stack development
- Data science and analytics
- Cloud computing fundamentals
- Artificial intelligence concepts and applications
- Career preparation and technical interview skills
What makes this curriculum unique is its holistic design. Each module integrates technical skills with real-world applications, professional development, and emotional intelligence—creating a comprehensive approach that addresses the whole person, not just technical abilities.
From Personal Journey to Professional Expertise
This curriculum development opportunity has allowed me to leverage my extensive technology background in service of others. After completing Columbia Business School’s Justice Through Code program with a 93% average, I’ve dedicated myself to continuous technological upskilling, accumulating 30 high-tech certifications from industry leaders.
My most recent achievements include:
- Google Advanced Data Analytics Certification (March 2025)
- Mastery of advanced statistical analysis
- Predictive modeling and machine learning applications
- Data visualization and communication strategies
- Real-world business problem-solving using data
- Microsoft Artificial Intelligence Engineering Certification (February 2025)
- Completed an intensive six-month course requiring 1,000+ hours of study
- Developed expertise in machine learning algorithms and neural networks
- Mastered practical AI application development
- Gained proficiency in ethical AI implementation and governance
These certifications aren’t mere credentials—they represent practical knowledge and skills that I’m now translating into accessible learning opportunities for others who are walking a similar path of redemption and transformation.
Progress and Impact
The curriculum development process has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. To date:
- The Digital Literacy Foundation course has been fully developed, with comprehensive modules, exercises, and assessment tools ready for implementation
- The Intermediate Technology Skills curriculum is 75% complete, with interactive coding exercises and real-world projects incorporated throughout
- The Advanced Technology Mastery track is in active development, designed to provide specialized pathways aligned with current industry needs
The board’s enthusiastic approval of the program structure and content has been tremendously validating. Their recognition of both the curriculum’s quality and its potential impact reinforces my belief in education as a transformative force.
Why This Matters: Technology as a Path to Redemption
This initiative transcends traditional workforce development. For returning citizens, technology education offers multiple paths to redemption:
- Economic Opportunity: The tech industry’s skills-based hiring approaches can provide access to well-paying careers even for those with justice system involvement.
- Cognitive Transformation: Learning to code and solve complex technical problems develops critical thinking skills and empowers individuals to see themselves as creators and problem-solvers.
- Community Contribution: Technology skills enable formerly incarcerated individuals to become digital educators and mentors in their communities, creating a positive ripple effect.
- Social Integration: Participation in the digital economy facilitates connection, collaboration, and participation in modern society.
My personal journey from incarceration to technology professional to curriculum developer exemplifies this transformative potential. Each line of code I write, each certification I earn, and each module I develop for this curriculum represents my ongoing commitment to both personal redemption and creating opportunities for others.
Looking Forward: Expansion and Implementation
As I complete the remaining components of this curriculum, I’m already envisioning its implementation and evolution:
- Pilot Programs: Working with partner organizations to implement initial cohorts
- Mentorship Network: Developing a support system of tech professionals to mentor program participants
- Industry Partnerships: Building relationships with tech companies open to hiring program graduates
- Continuous Improvement: Creating feedback mechanisms to ensure the curriculum remains relevant and effective
The path from concept to implementation has not been without challenges, but each obstacle has only strengthened my resolve. This work represents the perfect intersection of my technical skills, lived experience, and passion for creating meaningful second chances.
The Power of Technological Redemption
Technology education offers more than job skills—it provides a new lens through which returning citizens can view themselves and their potential contribution to society. When someone learns to code, they’re not just mastering syntax; they’re developing a new identity as a creator, problem-solver, and contributor.
My journey from incarceration to technology professional to curriculum developer for others walking a similar path embodies this transformative potential. Each certification I earn and each module I develop represents my commitment to both personal redemption and creating opportunities for others.
I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to develop this curriculum—to transform my own experiences and technical expertise into a pathway that others can follow. As the Advanced Technology Mastery component takes shape in the coming months, I look forward to sharing more about this journey and the lives it will impact.
For those who have experienced incarceration: your past does not define your potential. Technology offers a path forward, and I am honored to help build that bridge.
Joseph DeGregorio is a technology professional, member of the National Board of Advisors for The Petey Greene Program, and sits on the FICGN Governance Board. He holds 30 technical certifications, including credentials from Google, Microsoft, and other industry leaders. His work focuses on creating educational pathways for formerly incarcerated individuals through technology education and mentorship.
Connect with me on LinkedIn to follow this journey and explore collaboration opportunities.
