Two MCI-Shirley inmates with bachelor’s degrees were selected through a competitive hiring process for the six month pilot
BOSTON — The state’s Department of Correction is launching a program that provides paid remote work experience for incarcerated people.
The pilot program will last six months and allow participants to work 20 hours per week, according to a Thursday statement from the Massachusetts DOC. Workers will be supervised and earn $25 per hour.
The program is a partnership between the DOC and the Alliance for Higher Education in Prison.
Two incarcerated people will participate in the program initially. Both have earned bachelor’s degrees through Boston College’s Prison Education Program and were selected
Participants will work from a designated space at MCI-Shirley, where correctional staff will supervise.
“This pilot program gives incarcerated individuals the opportunity to develop professional skills, use workplace technology, and gain valuable experience that will support a successful transition upon release,” DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins said.
The DOC offers education and job training in fields such as computer coding, printing, computer-aided design and culinary arts.
How could paying inmates $25 an hour for remote work affect correctional staff and facility operations?
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