Time Incarcerated: 28 Years
Location: Multiple Facilities—Ending in Washington DC Jail
Orijin Training: Completed 400+ hours of programming on Orijin—Focusing on Enduring Skills and Financial Literacy
Career Path: Medical Center Case Manager, Future Small Business Owner
Rodney Brown was 24 years into a 28-year sentence when he discovered Orijin, a moment that transformed his life. Until then, he had no access to educational programs or job training beyond GED preparation.
Like many of the 2 million incarcerated individuals in the U.S., systemic issues such as staffing shortages and lack of space had deprived him of opportunities to prepare for employment upon release. Unfortunately, only 17% of incarcerated individuals today have access to programming, and 41% lack a high school diploma, compared to 18% of the general population.
It took Rodney 10 years to earn his GED while incarcerated at the DC Department of Correction. At the time, he served as a GED mentor and tutor in his unit, balancing this role with his responsibilities as a husband and father of three.
“The system has moved away from its goal of rehabilitation. Orijin gives incarcerated individuals the chance to learn, prepare for their future, and support their families. It’s a beautiful opportunity.”
When he learned about Orijin’s managed learning platform, which offer customized education and industry-aligned skills development, he saw it as the perfect solution to help him gain the tools needed for a successful reentry.
“I found a bevy of educational classes in the Orijin tablet,” Rodney explains. “I took college and business courses. It taught me how to communicate better. It gave guys like me, who only had time on our hands, the chance to learn something new and prepare for life after release.”
“Determined to overcome the challenges of reentry, including the stigma of a criminal record, Rodney completed over 400 hours of programming through Orijin. He focused on healthcare and, upon release, secured a full-time position as a medical case manager, assisting mental health patients. Now, he is working toward launching his own cleaning business.
Reflecting on his journey, he says, “I came to prison at 19 and had never held a job. Orijin taught me how to fill out applications, interview, and navigate the job market. It helped me develop the professionalism needed to succeed in the workplace.”
Rodney is grateful that Orijin now provides GED education early in incarceration. “It took me 10 years to get my GED. In most places, there’s a long waiting list due to staffing shortages and overcrowding,” he says. “If everyone had access to Orijin, it would make a huge difference.”
Above all, he believes Orijin offers hope. “The system has moved away from its goal of rehabilitation. Orijin gives incarcerated individuals the chance to learn, prepare for their future, and support their families. It’s a beautiful opportunity.”
