How I.G.N.I.T.E. Educators in Alpena County Are Sparking a Culture Shift
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 helping people believe […]
How Alameda County Uses Orijin to Drive Positive Youth Behavior and Rehabilitation
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 solutions. For youth […]
How Alameda County Uses Orijin to Drive Positive Youth Behavior and Rehabilitation
At Alameda County’s Juvenile Justice Center, a dramatic transformation is underway. Once operating near its 300-bed capacity, the facility now serves between 42 and 60 youth—a shift driven by intentional reforms, collaborative leadership, and a strategic embrace of technology. This episode of Second Chances at Work dives into how Alameda County partnered with Orijin to […]
Orijin Achieves SOC 2 Type 2 Certification, Reinforcing Its Commitment to Security and Compliance in Correctional Facilities
NEW YORK, NY – May 20, 2025 – Orijin, a public benefit corporation, and leading provider of secure learning technology for correctional facilities, has achieved the System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 Type 2 certification—marking a critical milestone in its ongoing commitment to meet and exceed the highest security standards expected by correctional institutions and […]
Second Chances to Systemic Change: A Conversation with Tanaine Jenkins
In this inspiring episode, Arti Finn, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, sits down with Tanaine Jenkins—TEDx speaker, award-winning recidivism strategist, and national advocate for probation and parole reform. Her journey spans military service, banking, incarceration, and ultimately finding her voice as a national leader. Today, Jenkins serves as Director of the Florida Safety Coalition and […]
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 […]
Stephen
Location: Hancock County Jail, Greenfield, Indiana Orijin Training: Numerous courses in cognitive therapy and skilled trades training, including HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. Career Path: Entry-level position or apprenticeship When Stephen S. first heard about Orijin’s learning programs in jail, he wasn’t expecting it to change the course of his life. But the moment he picked […]
The Power of Arts, Purpose & Perseverance: Divine G Whitfield’s Story
In honor of Second Chance Awareness Month, this special episode of 2nd Chances @ Work features the remarkable John “Divine G” Whitfield — the justice-impacted changemaker whose real-life story inspired the critically acclaimed film Sing Sing, starring Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo. Divine G’s journey from wrongful incarceration to founding Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) inside New York’s Sing Sing Correctional Facility […]
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 […]
Orijin and Interplay Learning Expand Partnership to Offer 15 Learning Pathways to Support Pre-Apprenticeships and Additional Skilled Trades Training in Correctional Facilities
AUSTIN, TX and NEW YORK, NY – March 26, 2025 – Orijin, a technology leader in evidence-based learning and workforce development programming for correctional jurisdictions, and Interplay Learning, the leading provider of immersive skilled trades training, have expanded their partnership to provide greater access to workforce development opportunities for justice-impacted individuals. This expansion introduces pre-apprenticeship […]
