How Virtual Classrooms Are Expanding Access to Correctional Education & Workforce Development in Kansas and Iowa
By Jaime Crespo Across correctional facilities, education has long been limited by staffing shortages, security protocols, and a lack of physical classroom space. Recognizing these barriers, Orijin created Virtual Classroom—a secure, cloud-based component of our managed learning platform that bridges educators and learners through live and on-demand video. By expanding access to education, rehabilitation, and […]
Beyond the Hype: Turning Possibility into Practice with the Orijin AI Discovery Lab
By Alan Santiago, Chief Product Officer Last month we shared why correctional education needs human-first AI solutions. In short, correctional leaders and educators are faced with mounting administrative tasks coupled with staff shortages and high turnover. At a moment when human connection—in the form of encouragement, motivation, and guidance—is critical to the successful reentry of […]
Why Correctional Education Needs Human-First AI Solutions
by Alan Santiago, Chief Product Officer The statistics are sobering: nearly 2 million people are incarcerated in the United States, yet only 17% can access education programs and just 10% have opportunities for job training. With employment being one of the strongest predictors of successful reentry, this gap represents more than missed opportunities—it’s a barrier […]
Driving Reentry Success: Opening New Pathways Through CDL Training
By Jaime Crespo Across the country, the trucking industry is facing a major labor shortage. With more than 240,000 projected job openings each year and a median annual wage of $57,440, commercial driving offers stable, sustainable employment opportunities. For correctional leaders searching for ways to prepare justice-impacted individuals for careers that are accessible, high-paying, and […]
How I.G.N.I.T.E. Educators in Alpena County Are Sparking a Culture Shift
By Jaime Crespo In a small Michigan jail, something meaningful is happening. You can see it in the way learners show up early for class. You can feel it in the encouragement they give each other. And if you ask the educators behind it, they’ll tell you—it’s not just about passing a test. It’s about […]
How Alameda County Uses Orijin to Drive Positive Youth Behavior and Rehabilitation
By Jaime Crespo With a facility capacity of 300 beds, the team, which leads the Alameda Juvenile Justice Center, is proud to report that their population now hovers between just 42 and 60 youth. That decline isn’t by accident. It’s intentional, and the result of bold changes, collaborative systems, and an embrace of innovative technology […]
The Motivation Before Momentum
By Brittany Wouden, UX Lead For justice-impacted learners, staying motivated is not a given. It’s a daily challenge and yet it’s one of the most important factors in building a future beyond incarceration. Motivation isn’t just about feeling inspired. It’s about sustaining effort toward long-term goals, like gaining new skills, earning credentials, and preparing for […]
Why Motivation and Engagement Are Essential in Correctional Education
By Dr. Amy Lopez Education is a proven pathway to opportunity, but for justice-impacted learners, staying motivated and engaged presents unique challenges. In traditional classrooms, students have a variety of support systems, from teachers and peers to family encouragement. In correctional settings, however, the learning environment is vastly different. Disruptions, restrictions, and a lack of […]
Tennessee Pilot Program Changing Lives and Filling Workforce Gaps
By Jaime Crespo A new partnership between Orijin, ToolingU-SME, Smith County Jail, the Upper Cumberland Local Workforce Development Board, The University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS), and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Tennessee Office of Reentry, is transforming reentry by harnessing the power of education and workforce development. Together, we […]
Meet Orijin’s Hope Dealer
By Jaime Crespo At Orijin, we believe in the power of second chances and the remarkable potential that lies within every individual. Antonio Arnett, one of our most inspiring team members, is a living testament to this belief. Known at Orijin as the “Swiss Army Knife,” for his myriad skills, Arnett’s journey from incarceration to […]