Columbia University’s Justice Through Code program is offering three certificate pathways to help formerly incarcerated individuals build technology skills and access careers in tech — regardless of prior convictions. Classes are 100% free, fully virtual, and laptops are provided for students who need them. This is the kind of program that should be on every reentry advocate’s radar.
100%
Free — no tuition, no fees, no hidden costs
Virtual
Fully online — no geographic barrier to participation
💻
Laptops provided for students who lack access to their own device
Three Pathways — Meet Students Where They Are
The program is built around three levels designed to meet students wherever they are on their technology journey. There is no requirement to start at the beginning — participants can enter at the level that fits their current experience and goals.
Track 01 · Beginner
Foundations
10 Weeks
Introduction to technology concepts and basic coding skills. Designed for participants with no prior tech experience. The entry point for anyone starting from scratch.
Track 02 · Intermediate
Tech Pathways
20 Weeks
Deeper technical training for participants ready to move beyond basics. Builds toward career-relevant skills in software development and technology roles.
Track 03 · Intensive
The Flagship
9 Months
The full career pivot. A comprehensive, immersive program for participants committed to a significant transition into the tech sector. The deepest investment with the highest career payoff.
Why This Program Matters
The technology sector is one of the few industries where skills demonstrably matter more than credentials — and where remote work has expanded access for people who face geographic or transportation barriers during reentry. A formerly incarcerated person with verified coding skills and a Columbia certificate has a concrete, credential-backed pathway into an industry where background check discrimination, while still present, is less universal than in traditional employment sectors. This is not charity. It is a structural opening.
Learn More & Apply — Columbia Justice Through Code
Visit the program page to learn about each track, eligibility, and upcoming information sessions. Applications are open on a rolling basis.
Justice Through Code — Columbia University →
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