Real People. Real Futures.
These are the people behind the numbers — graduates who transformed their lives through technology, determination, and the support of the Persevere community.
2,845
Participants Served
83.7%
Placement Rate
72.5%
1-Year Retention
~1.7%
Recidivism Rate
2,845
Participants Served
83.7%
Placement Rate
72.5%
1-Year Retention
~1.7%
Recidivism Rate
From Prison Walls to Silicon Valley Calls: A Story of Technology and Transform
Vincent — QA Tester at Vant4ge
Each morning at Wakulla Correctional Institution began with the same sounds. Steel doors echoing through concrete corridors. The mechanical count. The steady rhythm of a world where time stood still. For Vincent, those sounds marked days that blurred together, each one indistinguishable from the last.
Today, that same man starts his mornings differently. From his Florida home office, he logs into systems at Vant4ge's Salt Lake City headquarters, where his work as a QA Tester helps shape cutting-edge public safety technology.
Vincent enrolled in Persevere's intensive 12-month full-stack development program inside Wakulla Correctional Institution. What started as an introduction to HTML soon evolved into a transformative process — daily standups, project sprints, peer reviews, and real-world problem-solving. By the time he graduated, he wasn't simply proficient in code. He was prepared for the expectations, culture, and pace of the tech workforce.
“Five years ago, I would not have dreamed of being where I am right now. I am focused on learning, growing, and giving back to people who think their situations are hopeless.”
— Vincent, Persevere Graduate | Florida
Graduate Stories by State
Tennessee
“When I started this program I had no tech background at all. Now I'm completing Phase 3 of the AI & Digital Skills program, I've earned several certifications, built a strong resume, and created a fully live website from scratch as my capstone project.”
Tiffany
CommunityCompleted the program in 2024, regained full custody of her children, and now manages two websites for a sports company in TN.
Nakisha
CommunityFound a new support system through Persevere and secured an internship with GI-Apprentice that is transitioning to a full-time permanent position.
Jamal
CorrectionalWent from justice-involved to interning for Persevere, rebuilding community relationships and growing as a leader.
Luke
CorrectionalSecured a paid internship as a Site Reliability Engineer with the Agile Learning Institute and built a mini-farm at home.
Darrell
CorrectionalReinstated his driver's license, secured housing in East Tennessee, returned to work, purchased a vehicle, and is working toward reunification with his son.
Candida
CommunityEarned multiple certifications, built a live website as her capstone, and is now a Digital Research & Data Systems Trainee building a national resource database for justice-impacted individuals.
Jason
CorrectionalCompleted Full Stack Development, Project Management, and Microsoft Office pathways. Now has an OJT internship, reinstated driver's license, and OSHA certification — working toward his Class A CDL.
Scott
CorrectionalCelebrated 3 years of sobriety as of May 30, 2026.
South Carolina
Karli
CorrectionalSecured a contract-to-hire position at Handoff.ai as a Construction Intelligence Specialist earning $105K annually, bridging construction expertise with AI product development.
Destiny
CorrectionalSelected as 1 of only 11 people nationwide for the Next Chapter apprenticeship and launched her own business, DM Digital Boutique.
Brittany W.
CorrectionalSince release in April 2025, has maintained steady employment, purchased her first home, gotten married, and reunited with her daughter.
Mary
CorrectionalEmployed at the BMW plant earning $23.80/hr ($45.60/hr overtime), secured stable housing, enrolled in school, and living a sober lifestyle.
Wendy
CorrectionalTeam Lead earning $25/hr, built several websites independently, enrolled at Tri-County Technical College, and planning to pursue a Bachelor's in Engineering Technology Management.
Lavonda
CorrectionalReleased December 2025 after 17 years. Now employed at Goodwill, earned a drone pilot certification, reinstated her driver's license, and reunited with her children.
Abby
CorrectionalCompleted Fair Chance Futures and a Project Management certification. Now serves as Director of Strategic Initiatives for JUMPSTART South Carolina.
During my tenure as Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Correction, I witnessed firsthand the measurable impact of Persevere's technology workforce program. Persevere was the first organization we approved to deliver a comprehensive software development pathway inside our facilities, and the results spoke for themselves. With nearly 400 individuals enrolled in Tennessee alone, a recidivism rate of approximately 1%, and a job placement rate exceeding 72% among those released and eligible for employment, Persevere demonstrated a clear return on investment — both financially and in public safety outcomes.
Massachusetts
Elijah
CorrectionalStarted with no coding knowledge and nearly quit. Now serves as a Teaching Assistant for the current cohort and is preparing for a career in software development upon release.
Eric
CorrectionalBuilt a job portal for returning citizens as his capstone project — complete with profiles, resumes, and employer connections. Works 3-5 extra hours daily on the project.
Arizona
Demetrius
CommunityGot assistance with his CDL program and financial literacy courses. Now works as a CDL driver with his own apartment and car.
Tabitha
CommunityRegained custody of her two children. Her partner is now a nurse. She has purchased a home and is a healthy, happy mother.
Paige
CommunityWent from homelessness to building a real business with a live database, client management system, and AI-powered workflows. Completed a social media internship and earned multiple certifications.
Florida
“Five years ago, I would not have dreamed of being where I am right now. I am focused on learning, growing, and giving back to people who think their situations are hopeless.”
Dev P.
CorrectionalGot accepted into the Next Chapter bootcamp but turned it down for a job offer as an Assistant Project Manager earning $80K/yr plus per diem and a travel allowance.
Dev J.
CorrectionalSecured employment at Best Water Solutions in Gainesville, FL.
Their Story Could Be Yours
Every graduate started exactly where you are. With the right training, support, and opportunity — transformation is possible. Help us reach more people by supporting Persevere today.