Researchers from the Laboratory of Computer Sciences and Artificial Intelligence at MIT, along with scientists from the University of Massachusetts in Lowell, have discovered that teaching prisoners web design and programming has a positive impact on their self-esteem and equips them with digital literacy skills that can help prevent repeated incarceration.
The findings of the study were detailed in a scientific publication titled “From prison to programming: The development of self-efficiency through virtual curriculum on web design”, where ‘self-efficiency’ refers to an individual’s belief in their ability to accomplish actions necessary to achieve certain outcomes.
The program, known as Brave Behind Bars, is implemented in five institutions within the US correctional system and consists of 12-week web design courses held twice a week. Participants learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, culminating in the creation of a personal website as a graduation project.
A study spanning 2022 and 2023 revealed that engagement in the program significantly boosts prisoners’ self-esteem levels, consequently leading to reduced rates of recidivism. Data indicates a direct link between self-esteem and the likelihood of committing crimes, such as drunk driving, sexual offenses, and drug-related incidents.
Professor April Pattavina from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst emphasized that Brave Behind Bars offers inmates a chance to cultivate digital literacy skills that enhance self-efficiency and readiness for reintegration into society.
Furthermore, program graduates who have developed a portfolio through these courses are likely to encounter fewer obstacles in securing employment post-release. Possessing a prison record can hinder job prospects, but practical skills acquired through web design can open doors for freelance opportunities where personal history holds less weight than demonstrable abilities.
In addition to the educational benefits, participants in the program reported increased motivation and self-esteem stemming from their newfound web programming expertise.
Brave Behind Bars operates across a diverse range of correctional environments, encompassing facilities of varying security levels and with participants from different racial and educational backgrounds. This inclusive approach establishes the program as a potent tool for facilitating the successful reintegration of prisoners.