ReConnect CT: Digital Pathways Program
Ensuring equal access to educational and community resources for incarcerated individuals and those undergoing re-entry.
Click for information for our Request for Proposals
Background
In partnership with the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management and CJPPD, the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) at UConn School of Public Policy will implement a comprehensive 2-year ARPA-funded Digital Pathways education program with access to technology to currently incarcerated individuals, and formerly incarcerated individuals who reside in halfway houses and/or participate in re-entry programs.
By providing targeted digital literacy training, the program equips participants with essential skills to access education, healthcare, employment, and community resources to ultimately establish upward mobility and economic resilience.
Objectives
ReConnect CT is designed to increase digital competency and access for incarcerated individuals as well as those returning home. By providing digital education and training to a population often excluded from technological advancements, the program enables participants to develop competencies that enhance their education and career opportunities, increase access to and use of healthcare and community resources, and cultivate social and civic engagement.
Course Modules
Participating individuals will undertake learning modules currently under development and expected to include:
Digital Security, Privacy, & Ethics Skills
Digital Security, Privacy, & Ethics Skills - Understanding computer privacy settings, data protection and security, and a deeper focus on the ethical use of social media and technology.
Health and Education Information
Health and Education Information - Digital skills necessary to obtain these records and receive health services and upgrade educational skills.
Economic and Workforce Outcomes
An enhancement in trainees’ skills in using digital resources to search for and obtain employment in the present and future and it will focus on building trainee job search and labor market skills.
Community Resource Connections
Assisting participants with how to connect to supports in the community and secure necessary understandings of navigating life in society once again.
Outcome
Participants will be able to utilize these digital skills and tools to identify potential employment opportunities, public resources, and community opportunities. The program will support successful re-entry by reducing barriers to technology, fostering independence, and enhancing overall social and economic outcomes.
Our Team
Andrew Clark
IMRP Director
Brittany Lamarr
Research Assistant & Fellow
Irvine Peck’s-Agaya
IMRP Operations Coordinator
Leslie Sical
Policy and Research Intern