Gallery: Inside the Classroom Where San Quentin Inmates Learn to Code

  • Image may contain Human Person Furniture Chair Electronics Pc Computer and Laptop
    Cait Oppermann
    01

    CaitOppermann-2016-09-07-WIRED-SanQuentin-1283.jpg

    At San Quentin State Prison in California, inmates are barred from using the internet, but a new project offers a chance for them to take part in the tech tranformations they might otherwise have missed.
  • Image may contain Furniture Chair Human Person Sitting Footwear Shoe Clothing and Apparel
    Cait Oppermann
    02

    CaitOppermann-2016-09-07-WIRED-SanQuentin-1287.jpg

    The Last Mile Works is a full-fledged web development shop where inmates help build apps and other software for everyone from tiny startups to established companies like Airbnb.
  • Image may contain Human Person Furniture Electronics Computer Monitor Display Screen Lcd Screen Footwear and Shoe
    Cait Oppermann
    03

    CaitOppermann-2016-09-07-WIRED-SanQuentin-1306.jpg

    The men in the program make $16.77 an hour—not much by Silicon Valley standards. But the real goal is to help them land jobs once they’re out.
  • Image may contain Human Person Electronics Monitor Display Screen Lcd Screen Computer Pc and Mahershala Ali
    Cait Oppermann
    04

    CaitOppermann-2016-09-07-WIRED-SanQuentin-1445.jpg

    San Quentin’s dev shop is the brainchild of Chris Redlitz, a venture capitalist who founded the Last Mile as a nonprofit in 2010 to offer inmates entrepreneurial training.
  • Image may contain Human Person Electronics Computer Hardware Computer Keyboard Hardware Keyboard Computer and Finger
    Cait Oppermann
    05

    CaitOppermann-2016-09-07-WIRED-SanQuentin-1463.jpg

    Working with the coding school Hack ­Reactor, Redlitz spun up a tech incubator inside the prison called Code.7370 (after the government classification number for software companies).
  • Image may contain Helmet Clothing Apparel Human Person Electronics Headphones and Headset
    Cait Oppermann
    06

    CaitOppermann-2016-09-07-WIRED-SanQuentin-1501.jpg

    Inmates learn Java­Script, Python, and WordPress before presenting their portfolios at a Demo Day. By year’s end, the program will be active in three additional prisons.
  • Image may contain Human Person Furniture Chair Indoors Electronics Computer Keyboard Computer Hardware and Hardware
    Cait Oppermann
    07

    CaitOppermann-2016-09-07-WIRED-SanQuentin-1549.jpg

    The Last Mile Works gives Code.7370 grads a way to get real-world experience on the inside.
  • CaitOppermann20160907WIREDSanQuentin1305work.jpg
    Cait Oppermann
    08

    SanQuinten.jpg

    Because they can’t use the Internet, the dev shop’s coders work on a closed network, and a manager pushes the results to the outside. Any money the shop makes is funneled back into the nonprofit.
  • Image may contain Mailbox and Letterbox
    Cait Oppermann
    09

    CaitOppermann-2016-09-07-WIRED-SanQuentin-1595.jpg

    The door leading to the classroom where inmates learn to code.
Read More
The Best Ski Clothes for Staying Warm and Having Fun
From weatherproof jackets and pants to puffers, gloves, and socks, WIRED’s winter sports experts have you covered.
Chris Haslam
The Best Apple Watch Accessories
You finally caved and bought an Apple Watch. These are our favorite bands, screen protectors, and chargers to go with your new smartwatch.
Adrienne So
The Best Automatic Litter Boxes Tested by Our Spoiled Cats
With these high-tech automatic litter boxes, gone are the days of scooping and smells. Welcome to the future.
Molly Higgins
Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office Chairs
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
Julian Chokkattu
The Best Kids' Bikes for Every Age and Size
The WIRED Reviews team has kids, and we tested all types of kids’ bikes. Here are our top picks.
Adrienne So
The Best Game Controller for Every Kind of Player
A great gamepad instantly levels up your play. These are our top picks for Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.
Brad Bourque
The Best Heart Rate Monitors Check Your Cardiac Health
These chest straps and watches will help you keep your finger on your pulse—and many other heart-related metrics.
Michael Sawh
Death to Dry Skin. These Humidifiers Are Better Than Chapstick
From models for traveling to humidifiers that double as planters or air purifiers, we've tested a dozen of them.
Matthew Korfhage
The Best iPad to Buy (and a Few to Avoid)
We break down the current iPad lineup to help you figure out which of Apple’s tablets is best for you.
Luke Larsen
The 11 Best Electric Bikes for Every Kind of Ride
I tested the best electric bikes in every category, from commuters and mountain bikes to foldables and cruisers.
Adrienne So
The Best Podcasts for Everyone
Get your fix of tech, true crime, pop culture, or comedy with these audio adventures. 
Simon Hill
Which Fujifilm Instax Camera Should You Buy?
Should you buy an Instax Mini or Mini Evo? Instax Square or Wide? We demystify Fujifilm’s Instax lineup to help you find the perfect instant camera (or printer).
Scott Gilbertson