Emergent Works
Emergent Works is a community of people that:
envisions a world where tech literacy, education, and skills-based training are freely available to the individuals and communities, disproportionately of color, impacted by mass incarceration.
realizes this vision through developing software products and educational programs that provide mentorship and a pathway to careers in tech to these communities.
bridges the gap between the tech industry and historically underserved communities impacted by mass incarceration by offering free access to the technology, education, and resources necessary to enter into careers in tech.
EW employs a multi-pronged strategic approach to bridge this gap and to generate large-scale systemic change in the opportunities available to returning citizens.
Army, Eli, and Laiquan are all a part of PPAC, so you’ll probably catch them and their amazing dream team on a regular basis.
EW’s programs provide pathways to technology literacy and gainful employment in a dynamic, trauma-informed format that puts our mentees first. From their flagship 1:1 Digital Mentorship program to their T.RAP program (Technology, Rhythm, and Passion), EW is here to be the key to a brighter future.
The T.RAP program, which provides coaching and therapeutic writing opportunity to youth, often hosts a whole crew of talented young people recording songs up in our 3rd floor recording studio.
When I was finally released from my 9.5 year prison sentence, many employers would not hire me. I knew I wanted to become a software engineer but I needed extra help. The dedication, time, resources, equipment, emotional support and financial support from Emergent Works is the biggest reason I was able to see this through. Today I can proudly say I am a thriving Software Engineer. ~Makeda
In addition to educational resources, EW is also a formidable technology services provider.
From community-borne projects developed in solidarity with their constituency (such as Not911, a mobile app providing alternatives to law enforcement) to enterprise level application development (such as the Bail Fund App, which centralizes, tracks, and automates bail requests for the entire National Bail Fund Network), EW is a premier technology partner for mission-aligned projects.
For more information, check out EmergentWorks.org
