In 2013, the incarceration rate for the United States was the highest in the world at 716 per 100,000 of the national population behind bars. That is an incredible waste of resources and human capital. It is compounded by the fact that educational programs for prisoners are not being given. No practical training for jobs or life skills that could help break the cycle of recidivism.
Over 60 percent of all prison inmates are functionally illiterate. There has to be a better way to spend their time.
Uneducated people are more likely to commit crimes and find themselves in prison than those with marketable skills. Every prisoner behind bars represents a loss to society as a whole, in terms of lack of productive output and in terms of the cost to maintain them in prison.
If we can encourage educational programs for prisoners to take it would result in lower recidivism, prisoners returning to jail, and helps to create productive, tax-paying, self-reliant citizens. One of the best ways to reduce the cost of prisons is to prepare prisoners for life outside so that they never have to return.
Edovo is stepping up to the plate with a software platform that stimulates educational programs for prisoners. Launched in 2013, the platform offers educational programs for prisoners. It provides a sense of purpose, achievement, and valuable educational skills.
The mission of Edovo is not only to give meaningful access to core education but also to communication and self-improvement tools. Brian Hill, the CEO, and Founder of this platform, wants to unlock the many and varied possibilities for every incarcerated person.
The bold innovation means that people can still learn, even while inside a prison cell. This software platform is particularly helpful to people in juvenile detention, although it can be useful to all inmates.
According to Hill, “Over 60 percent of all prison inmates are functionally illiterate. There has to be a better way to spend their time.”
Edovo Educational Programs for Prisoners
The company delivers tablets and wireless networks to prisons and jails across America. They provide prisoners with access to the Edovo platform.
Once connected to the portal, inmates discover a collection of vocational, treatment, and educational resources that are all curated.
In a research study from the RAND Corporation, accessing vocational and educational programs for prisoners reduces recidivism by almost 43%.
“We found strong evidence that educational programs for prisoners play a role in reducing recidivism,” said Lois Davis, who is the Lead Researcher and Senior Policy Researcher at Rand.
Project Literacy, funded by Pearson, another education company, is providing all-out support to Edovo. Project Literacy is a global movement that gives people the chance to unleash their potential through the power of words.
The movement offers three valuable things, which they believe will help millions.
- Mobilizing action and raising awareness
- Innovating for new solutions
- Advancing best practice
The Edovo platform has been widely accepted by many already. They operate in over 15 states across the United States. Currently, Edovo can launch at least one new portal site every week.
EdTech Start-Ups That Transform Learning
Despite being the new player, Edovo has already made its mark by being part of the top 10 start-ups that are innovating the education sector. The software company gives inmates certificates for learning. These certificates can later be presented to future employees, staff, and courts as an indicator of their learning engagement.
Other startup companies on the list include the following:
- Play My Way
- Artificial Intelligence Ltd
- Edovo
- Kytabu
- 3DNovations
- CogniToys
- Code Club
- Primo Toys
- 3Dexter
- Nearpod
It has been four years since Edovo launched. Its innovative method has provided a change in the learning process. For the year 2017, this bold software platform will continue providing communication skills enhancement, educational advancement, and a chance of success to those in the correctional system.
