By the Numbers
24
Months to Transform Your Life
Long enough to create lasting change. Structured enough to stay on track.
4
Stackable Certificates
Every 6 months, earn credentials that open new job opportunities.
80%
Employment Rate
Within 3 months of graduation, 80%+ are employed at living wage.
90%
Zero Recidivism
90%+ of graduates have zero returns to incarceration at 12 months.
$38K-$110K
Salary Range
Start at $38K with Certificate 1. Reach $110K+ with Certificate 4.
$0
Your Cost
Completely free. No tuition. No fees. No hidden costs. Ever.
What You'll Receive (All Free)
💻
Technology
Released: Access from your device
Incarcerated: Secure tablet provided
Everyone: All software and cloud platforms
📚
Materials
Hard copy workbook (300+ pages)
Digital PDFs
All video lectures (downloadable)
Resources and readings
👥
Support
Assigned mentor (24 months)
Peer support group
24/7 crisis hotline
Technical support
Career services
🎓
Credentials
Up to 4 certificates
Credible Messenger certification
2 specialization certificates
Portfolio of work
Reference letters
What a Typical Week Looks Like
Monday
📹 Watch trauma video (45-60 min)
📝 Journal reflection
💬 Discussion board post
Tuesday
💻 Watch technical video (45-60 min)
⌨️ Coding practice
🤝 Peer support group (bi-weekly)
Wednesday
📝 Complete quiz
💬 Respond to peers
📊 Work on assignment
Thursday
📹 Second video (trauma or tech)
📝 Workbook exercises
💬 Discussion board
Friday
🔗 Watch integration video
🎙️ Office hours (optional)
📤 Submit assignments
Weekend
📚 Catch up on work
💬 Mentor check-in (2x/month)
🎯 Work on projects
💡 Remember: This is self-paced within each monthly module. If Monday doesn't work, do it Tuesday. If you need to binge-watch videos on Saturday, do that. The schedule is a guide, not a requirement. Find what works for YOUR life.
Career Pathways: Where Graduates Work
🏢
Corporate
Roles: Business Analyst, Data Analyst, Operations Analyst, Project Coordinator
Companies: Tech companies, financial services, healthcare, retail, consulting firms
Salary: $55K-$95K
❤️
Nonprofit/Social Impact
Roles: Program Analyst, Evaluation Specialist, Director of Data & Impact, Operations Manager
Organizations: Criminal justice reform, reentry programs, community health, social services
Salary: $50K-$85K
🤝
Peer Support
Roles: Credible Messenger, Peer Specialist, Recovery Coach, Community Health Worker
Settings: Hospitals, prisons, community organizations, government programs
Salary: $40K-$65K
💼
Hybrid/Entrepreneurship
Roles: Data Consultant for nonprofits, Training & facilitation, Independent evaluation, Building data tools
Opportunities: Contract work, consulting, speaking engagements, program development
Income: $60K-$120K+
Let's Be Real
This Program is Hard
We're not going to lie to you. This is 24 months of intensive work—both technical and emotional. You'll learn to code. You'll face your trauma. You'll build things. You'll break down and rebuild yourself. Some weeks you'll want to quit.
You'll Need Support
You can't do this alone. That's why we give you a mentor, a peer group, crisis support, office hours, technical help. Use them. Ask for help. That's not weakness—it's how people actually succeed.
Not Everyone Finishes
About 40% finish all 4 certificates. That's okay. Life happens. Transfers happen. Circumstances change. But 70%+ finish at least Certificate 1, which still opens $38K+ jobs. Whatever you complete is yours forever.
But If You Commit...
If you show up. If you do the work. If you let yourself be vulnerable and heal. If you learn the technical skills. If you stick with it even when it's hard—you will transform your life. Not maybe. Not hopefully. You WILL.
We Believe in You
Even if no one else does. Even if you don't believe in yourself yet. We've seen this work. We've seen people just like you—with your background, your trauma, your circumstances—walk across that graduation stage earning $80K, $90K, $100K+ jobs. We've seen people become leaders, mentors, healers. You can be next.
How to Apply
1
Complete Application
Released: Apply online at our website
Incarcerated: Mail application or have facility staff submit
Takes 20-30 minutes. Tell us your story.
2
Interview
Video, phone, or in-person (at facility)
30-45 minutes
Not scary—just a conversation about your goals and readiness
We're rooting for you, not looking for reasons to reject you.
3
Acceptance & Orientation
Receive acceptance letter
Attend virtual orientation
Receive materials & login credentials
Meet your mentor
Start date: 1st Monday of December, April, or August
What We Look For
Not your test scores. Not your criminal history. Not whether you're "smart enough."
We look for: Commitment to 24 months. Willingness to be vulnerable. Openness to learning. Desire to help others after you succeed. Honesty about where you are and where you want to go.
Partner With Us
We work with correctional facilities, nonprofits, and employers to expand access and opportunity.
🏛️
Correctional Facilities
Bring this program to your facility. Minimal IT resources required. We provide training, tablets, and all support. Proven to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes.
🤝
Community Organizations
Refer participants. Provide meeting space. Offer internet access. Support wraparound services. Partner with us to serve your community members returning from incarceration.
💼
Employers
Hire graduates. Practice fair chance hiring. Our graduates have real skills and are highly motivated. Post jobs. Attend hiring events. Build your talent pipeline.
💰
Funders & Donors
Support this work. Every $15,000 funds one participant through the full 24-month program. 100% goes to program delivery. Help us scale to more facilities and states.
Your Future Starts Now
Cohorts start the 1st Monday of December, April, and August. Apply early—space is limited.
Still have questions?
Schedule a free 30-minute info session: Email Us
Call/Text: (319) 897-5141
Email: TheInstitute@ifidontdoit.org