For the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC), equipping incarcerated individuals with real-world digital skills isn’t just about education—it’s about opportunity, reintegration, and breaking the cycle of recidivism. That’s why MDOC launched a groundbreaking employment readiness initiative in 2024, with Tosa’s digital skills certifications at the core.
Tosa isn’t just a certification—it’s a confidence builder, a reintegration tool, and a bridge to what's next. Whether it's college, employment, or personal growth, MDOC’s learners are leaving prison better prepared and digitally ready for life on the outside.
Michigan DOC Overview
- Total incarcerated population ~32,986 individuals (MDOC 2023 Statistical Report)
- Operates across 26 correctional facilities at ~96% occupancy (Prison Population Projection Report 2025)
- Significant proportion of long-term inmates with growing share of younger incarcerated individuals (Safe & Just Michigan)
- Over 55,000 offenders enrolled in community sanctions and reentry programs (MDOC 2023 Statistical Report)
Supporting Research
Digital skills mastery and skills certification are essential for today’s workforce, including incarcerated individuals hoping to successfully reenter life after prison.
- Digital literacy is now foundational to employability.
The National Skills Coalition reports that 92% of U.S. jobs require at least some digital skills, yet nearly one-third of workers lack the foundational digital proficiency to meet these expectations (NSC, 2020).
- Incarcerated populations face deep digital divides.
Many adults entering prison have had limited or no access to computers, internet, or digital tools, creating a serious skills gap that affects reentry success and career readiness (Hwang, Y.I. et al., 2024).
- Employment is a critical factor in reducing recidivism.
Formerly incarcerated individuals who gain employment are two times less likely to return to prison than those who are unemployed. Yet, more than 60% of returning citizens remain unemployed one year after release (Prison Policy Initiative, 2018).
- Education in prison reduces reoffending.
Inmates who participate in correctional education programs are 32% less likely to return to prison than those who do not, and are 12% more likely to find post-release employment (Honolulu, 2024).
The Challenge
Before implementing Tosa digital skills certifications, MDOC faced a common challenge in the correctional education space: outdated certifications that failed to resonate with employers and a digital divide among incarcerated learners. In fact, some had never used a computer.
The Department sought a solution that would:
- Offer learners an industry-recognized digital literacy certification
- Meet strict correctional facility IT and security protocols
- Support a wide range of learners, from digital natives to first-time users
The Solution
Tosa met the moment. As a browser-based, ADA-compliant certification platform with no software installation and no email address requirement, it was uniquely equipped for secure correctional settings.
Using Tosa’s DigComp certification to certify in the Digital Competence Framework for Citizens:
- Learners take a pre-assessment to establish baseline proficiency
- Instructors deliver aligned instruction via live classroom teaching and Chromebooks
- Learners complete a post-assessment and certification exam showing measurable growth
With Tosa scores on a five-level proficiency scale, the certification uniquely validates actual skill, not just test-taking ability.
"We really like the adaptive testing, the sliding scoring—it's not a pass or fail—and the pre- and post-test before the certification exam. We can measure the gains of how our education is working. Measurables are always good."— Jacob Gorden, Vocational Specialist, Michigan DOC
The Impact
MDOC ran a pilot program of Tosa in late 2024 across select facilities and quickly expanded statewide. By mid-2025, Tosa certification became standard in MDOC’s digital learning curriculum, with an estimated 1,300+ learners earning certification annually across its 23 facilities with programs. Though MDOC is on cruise control with Tosa now, the Tosa team’s responsive support has been instrumental in the success of the program.
"For some students, this is the first certificate they’ve ever earned, and they’re proud of it. They’re able to say, ‘I learned a lot,’ and it’s gratifying and impacts them."— Jacob Gorden, Vocational Specialist, Michigan Department of Corrections
MDOC Key Outcomes
- High engagement: Students opt in, creating motivated, self-directed learning environments
- Improved confidence: Many participants report the program as a key personal milestone
- Workforce relevance: Industry partners recognize Tosa as reliable proof of digital competency
- Equity and access: Even students with life sentences gain access for college prep or enrichment
