Massachusetts Department of Correction Tablet Program Expands Learning Opportunities for Incarcerated Individuals
- Heather Harman
- May 4, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: May 9, 2025
Milford — In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) is recognizing the power of education to foster rehabilitation and opportunity. In 2024, incarcerated individuals spent more than 330,000 hours engaging in educational, vocational, and reentry programming through the Department’s tablet initiative. A newly released study by the tablet provider Orijin shows a 10% increase in usage compared to 2023, with approximately 5,000 individuals regularly engaging with the devices, highlighting the vital role of educators and learning tools play in preparing individuals for successful reentry.
Implemented in every DOC facility, the tablet program provides incarcerated individuals with access to a wide range of learning opportunities, including personal development courses, job training and reentry preparation. By expanding access to education and skill-building resources, the DOC aims to support successful reintegration and reduce recidivism.
“Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in recidivism reduction. This latest data reflects my Administration’s commitment to investing in innovative strategies that provide individuals with the tools and resources needed to improve outcomes and sustain positive life choices,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The DOC’s continued efforts to enhance existing educational offerings and job skills training prepare individuals for successful reintegration while promoting public safety in communities statewide.”
“The impact of the DOC’s tablet initiative is an excellent example of the innovative and remarkable work being done in Massachusetts to support reentry, reduce recidivism and promote safer communities statewide,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Massachusetts’ declining recidivism rate is a testament to DOC’s rehabilitative mission and its focus on educational programming, in-demand jobs training and personalized reentry services.”
Content on the tablets is developed by Orijin in collaboration with a team of curriculum, reentry and educational experts hired and employed by the DOC. The Department also created a Virtual Education Team, which develops digital educational offerings with input from incarcerated individuals. These programs are available at no cost to the housed population and comprise more than 100 various modules, including HiSET preparation, math, art, culture, music, language and history lessons.
“Leveraging advanced technology to enhance the DOC’s diverse rehabilitative programming has an important role in helping individuals to prepare for reintegration,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “I applaud the DOC for its ongoing efforts to pursue innovative solutions that support individuals, transform lives, and promote public safety.”
“The DOC creates building blocks that prepare individuals to find employment, housing, and further education as they reenter communities,” said DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins. “These statistics show the tablets are increasing avenues toward reducing recidivism. Our DOC educators and staff find innovative and transformative ways to increase online offerings, which demonstrates our commitment to the overarching goal of safety and successful reentry.”
“As a former teacher, I know firsthand how transformative education can be - especially when it’s rooted in equity and access,” said Representative Brandy Fluker-Reid. “Bringing high-quality learning and reentry tools directly into our correctional facilities is a powerful step toward reducing recidivism. I’m proud to support innovative approaches like this that center rehabilitation, dignity, and true second chances.”
DOC’s in-person educational and vocational programming are strengthened by the tablet initiative, which offers a range of online courses in coordination with numerous external institutions of higher education, including MIT, Boston University, Boston College, Babson College, Tufts University, Emerson College, Massasoit Community College, and Mount Wachusett Community College.
Other 2024 highlights from the tablet study include:
Approximately 1,500 students completed 1,865 program units across 97 course offerings.
367 OSHA-10 certifications were earned through CareerSafe.
Students completed more than 700 high-skilled trades courses, logging more than 8,700 hours of study.
Learners engaged in more than 6,850 hours of job training for HVAC, appliance, plumbing and electrician careers.
Orijin’s resume builder and job search tool supported the creation of 500 student resumes and facilitated 26,000 monthly job searches.
Roughly 8,150 hours spent on HiSET preparation and programming
The tablets also support the No Cost Call initiative, implemented in December 2023, helping incarcerated individuals maintain vital connections with families and support networks. These relationships are essential in promoting successful reentry and reducing recidivism.
About the Massachusetts Department of Correction The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) manages the custody, care, and rehabilitation of approximately 6,000 individuals across 13 state facilities. The DOC emphasizes evidence-based programming, trauma-informed care, and educational and vocational training to reduce recidivism and is committed to fostering accountability, personal growth, and successful reentry. Through partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders, the DOC delivers innovative services tailored to the diverse needs of incarcerated individuals while advancing equity, inclusion, and long-term public safety.
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