BOSTON — A tablet program is changing how inmates in Massachusetts spend their time — and the numbers are climbing fast.
In 2025, individuals in the state’s correctional facilities logged more than 446,000 hours using tablets for education, job training and reentry programming, according to the Massachusetts Department of Correction.
A new study by tablet provider Orijin found MDOC leads the nation in tablet usage, both in total time spent on the devices and number of courses completed. The report found a 20% increase in total usage hours compared to 2024, along with a 43% jump in course completions, signaling continued growth in the program’s reach and impact.
Usage and completions climb for second straight year
According to the DOC, incarcerated individuals completed 3,209 courses and earned 4,227 certificates in 2025. Engagement has now increased for the second consecutive year, up from more than 330,000 hours recorded in 2024.
The tablet program, now implemented across all DOC facilities, provides access to educational courses, vocational training, resume-building tools and reentry-focused programming.
State leaders pointed to the program as part of a broader effort to prepare individuals for release and reduce recidivism.
“Massachusetts is using innovative tools to expand access to education and job training inside our correctional facilities,” Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement. “This program is helping people prepare for successful reentry.”
Focus on reentry, job readiness
In addition to coursework, the program emphasizes employment readiness. In 2025:
- More than 400 individuals created resumes
- Users 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 building workforce and financial skills
The DOC also reported 42,565 hours spent specifically in educational programming, along with nearly 104,000 minutes of instruction delivered across 2,190 sessions by its Virtual Education Team.
Supporting in-person programming
Officials said the tablet initiative is designed to complement — not replace — in-person education and vocational training. The DOC partners with several higher education institutions, including MIT, Boston University, Tufts University and multiple community colleges, to expand learning opportunities.
Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon said the program reflects the state’s focus on outcomes tied to rehabilitation and public safety.
“These statistics clearly demonstrate the impact the DOC’s tablet program has on preparing individuals for successful reentry,” Kwon said.
DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins credited staff and program partners for the program’s continued growth.
“The future of corrections is forever changing,” Jenkins said. “In Massachusetts, we will continue to implement innovative initiatives to remain a leader in the field.”
