The Need For Soft (Durable) Skills: Pilot Participant
The comments about the value of soft skills training were made by participant/incarcerate Davis.
From the very first session, when Trainers explained what soft skills are—qualities, traits, mindsets, and attitudes—the participants immediately recognized the value of developing these non-academic skills alongside their tech training.
Program Feedback: Co-Trainer With Lived Experience
“I wanted to take a moment to share some early reflections on the IT pilot program we’ve been running with currently incarcerated individuals. As someone who entered prison at 18 and was released 30 years later through clemency due to the personal transformation and healing I underwent, I’ve spent the last few years deeply committed to community healing, violence prevention, reentry, and justice system reform.
This class has given me the opportunity to combine all of that experience in a new way. While we’re teaching tech skills, we’re also offering something just as vital—hope.
When we started, many of the participants were skeptical. They didn’t know if this would apply to their lives or if they’d be able to grasp the content. I’ve seen curiosity come alive, confidence begin to grow, and the walls of doubt slowly come down.
What makes this program stand out from others I’ve seen over the years is that it doesn’t just focus on hard skills. It’s also about soft skills—communication, imagination, creative thinking, collaboration, critical thinking—and the internal shift that happens when someone starts to believe they’re capable of learning, of succeeding, of being more than their past. It has even more value because it also incorporates the knowledge and skills of people with lived experience that those taking the class can relate to in a real way.
We’re not just teaching IT. We’re teaching transformation.
The early results are clear: this class is working. It’s needed. And it’s already making an impact.
I’m proud to be part of this work.
In solidarity,
Eugene Youngblood”
Program Feedback: Co-Trainer With Lived Experience
“Facilitating the IT class inside Washington Corrections Center (WCC) has been an incredibly powerful and affirming experience. One of the most impactful aspects has been witnessing how deeply the men on the inside respond to facilitators who bring lived experience to the classroom. There’s an immediate sense of trust and connection when they realize that the people helping to teach them have walked similar paths—and are now walking beside them in solidarity.
The curriculum developed by ETA Media has been phenomenal, offering a strong foundation for technical learning. What makes the sessions even more transformative is our ability to infuse that curriculum with culturally grounded analogies, real-world examples, and personal stories that resonate with the students’ lived experiences. These connections aren’t just helpful—they’re vital. They bridge the gap between abstract technical knowledge and practical, real-life application, making the content accessible, relevant, and memorable.
Beyond technical skills, the class places a major emphasis on soft skills—communication, collaboration, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and leadership. These are not just workplace skills; they’re life skills. We see participants applying what they learn to navigate relationships, resolve conflict more constructively, and build self-awareness and confidence. The development of these soft skills gives them an added edge—not just when it comes to employment, but in how they show up for themselves, their families, and their communities.
This class is more than a technical training; it’s a much-needed tool for reentry preparation. Understanding technology isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential. From accessing services to securing employment, navigating society after incarceration now requires a baseline digital literacy. We’ve seen firsthand how the lack of this knowledge can lead to setbacks, even violations. In fact, a few of the students in our class have shared that they were violated simply because they didn’t understand how to properly use or manage digital devices post-release. That’s not just frustrating—it’s unjust.
What makes this class truly special is the way it centers humanity. We approach each session with a healing-informed, culturally responsive lens. This allows us to meet students where they are—not just academically, but emotionally and culturally. We don’t just teach tech skills; we affirm dignity, build confidence, and foster community. In this context, learning becomes an act of liberation.
This work matters. It fills a critical gap. And perhaps most importantly, it affirms that transformation is possible—on both sides of the classroom.
Sincerely,
David Heppard”
Feedback: IT Trainer
We will add participant feedback soon - allowing individuals to get as much of the pilot experience as possible before reflecting on it’s impact or lack thereof.
Tech/IT trainer Mike Riggan discusses his experience with teaching IT lessons as well as his overall view of the combined IT/Soft skills training and its effectiveness and impact.
The Research:
Programs focused on developing socio-emotional skills in prison settings have been shown to increase positive social behaviors, emotional competence, and self-esteem among participants, all of which are crucial for successful reintegration7.
Evidence from large-scale studies shows that participation in correctional education programs (which often include soft skills components) is associated with a 43% reduction in the odds of recidivism compared to non-participants12.Developing life skills such as decision-making and interpersonal communication helps individuals navigate challenges, build stronger relationships, and avoid situations that could lead to reoffending13.
These programs also boost confidence, provide a sense of purpose, and improve employability, all of which contribute to lower rates of reoffending and more successful reentry into society81011.
Soft skills training, often integrated into vocational and career-technical education (CTE) programs, prepares individuals for workplace success by fostering qualities like punctuality, conflict management, and effective communication-traits highly valued by employers and essential for maintaining employment after release911.