Press Release: 4/16/2026

Massachusetts Department of Correction Tablet Program Leads Nation in Usage with More Than 446,000 Hours of Engagement by Housed Population

 



Review Shows Program Hours Increased by 20% and Course Completions Increased by 43% 



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:



4/15/2026



MEDIA CONTACT



Scott J. Croteau, Director of Media Relations



 Phone



Call Scott J. Croteau, Director of Media Relations at 781-400-3849



 Online



Email Scott J. Croteau, Director of Media Relations at Scott.J.Croteau@mass.gov



MILFORD — The Massachusetts Department of Correction’s (DOC) today announced that its tablet-based educational, vocational and programming opportunities are now the most widely used of their kind in the nation, with incarcerated individuals logging more than 446,000 hours of engagement in 2025.  



A newly released study by tablet provider Orijin shows that the DOC leads the nation in use by incarcerated individuals in terms of total minutes and classes completed. Through the partnerships with Orijin and Spectrum, along with the innovative creation of programs by DOC’s Virtual Education Team, the tablet program experienced a 20% increase in program hours and a staggering 43% increase in course completions between 2024 and 2025.  



“Massachusetts is using innovative tools to expand access to education and job training inside our correctional facilities,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This program is helping people prepare for successful reentry and gives them access to education, job training and support that helps them succeed after release. It is another example of how Massachusetts continues to lead with data, innovation and a focus on the outcomes. That is how we reduce recidivism and strengthen community safety across our state.”  



“The DOC’s tablet initiative continues to demonstrate how innovative programming can reduce recidivism and impact the lives of individuals statewide,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Massachusetts diligently creates and promotes educational, vocational, and personal growth opportunities that contribute to improved outcomes.” 



In 2025, incarcerated individuals spent more than 446,000 hours engaging in meaningful education, vocational, reentry and job preparation programming through the Department’s tablet initiative. The study showed that the hours of engagement increased by 20% compared to the more than 330,000 hours of usage in 2024. This is the second year in a row that engagement has increased.  



The study also shows that incarcerated individuals achieved 3,209 course completions (43 percent increase from 2024) and earned 4,227 certificates of completion.  



Implemented in every DOC facility, the tablet program equips the housed population with access and guidance to a wide range of educational, vocational, resume building, job training and reentry programming and preparation. All of these resources increase an incarcerated individuals’ successful reintegration while reducing recidivism.  



The content on the tablets is developed by Orijin in collaboration with Spectrum Health System and DOC professionals specializing in reentry, education, curriculum and programming experts. The Department’s Virtual Education Team also continues to develop original educational offerings tailored to meet the needs of the incarcerated population.  



“These statistics clearly demonstrate the immense impact the DOC’s tablet program has on transforming lives, creating safer communities and preparing individuals for successful reentry into their communities,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “The DOC’s unwavering commitment to creating innovative programs is a testament to the state’s goal of promoting positive outcomes.” 



“I am incredibly thankful and proud of the DOC staff, educators and specialists who built upon the already spectacular results of the tablet program to achieve even more success. Our partners work seamlessly to collectively implement this impactful work,” said DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins. “The future of corrections is forever changing, but in Massachusetts we will continue to have the vision and forethought to implement innovative initiatives to remain a leader in the field.” 



To ensure continued engagement among the housed population, Orijin reviewed accounts that had become dormant and worked with the DOC to send postcards for former tablet learners about all of the benefits of the programming. The campaign resulted in a 28% increase of dormant accounts being reactivated. 



The tablet initiative strengthens DOC’s in-person educational and vocational programming, 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 2025 highlights from the tablet study include: 




  • 42,565 hours spent in educational programs  

  • DOC’s Virtual Education Team delivered nearly 104,000 minutes of instruction across 2,190 sessions  

  • More than 400 individuals created resumes and conducted over 283,000 job searches through Honest Jobs 

  • 647 OSHA-10 certifications were earned  

  • More than 2,000 individuals spent over 11,000 hours learning work, financial and enduring skills to prepare them for sustainable employment  



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.