Technology for Reintegration: Empowering Youth Through Digital Skills

Our idea is to introduce secure, skill-building technology into programming at the Edmonton Young Offender Centre (EYOC) to help youth develop digital literacy, employability, creativity, and confidence as they prepare for reintegration into the community.

The Youth Restorative Action Project (YRAP), is a Justice Committee in Edmonton founded and run by youth aged 16-24. Our mission is to support youth who have caused harm while navigating complex social issues such as intolerance, racism, substance abuse, homelessness, family violence, and sexual exploitation.

At EYOC, YRAP currently delivers tutoring, recreational activities, crafts, life skills, restorative circles, and pre-release transition planning four times per week. This idea will expand those offerings by integrating digital learning and employment-readiness opportunities through tablets equipped with secure, pre-approved applications.

Youth in custody face barriers to technology and education, yet these are essential for nearly every workplace and educational path today. With the tablets, participants can safely develop skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as typing, coding, resume-building skills, and digital design. Learning and career development apps will strengthen literacy, critical thinking, and goal-setting while building tools for future employment. They will also have opportunities to express creativity through design programs like Canva or Photoshop, fostering innovation and self-expression. Each activity will link digital skill-building with real-world applications, such as creating resumes, writing cover letters, building personal budgets, and exploring career pathways.

A small number of laptops will be purchased for YRAP to design lesson plans, manage learning applications, and track participant progress. These will ensure consistent program quality, though the focus remains on the tablets and their direct benefit to the youth at EYOC.

We anticipate reaching about 50 youth annually, with measurable gains in computer literacy and employment readiness. All devices will remain the property of YRAP and be securely managed for ongoing use in EYOC programming.

This idea bridges a gap between the justice and education systems, offering youth a positive experience that builds confidence and practical knowledge. By equipping them with digital tools and employable skills, we aim to create a ripple effect of empowerment that extends beyond custody and into the broader community.

This idea will directly benefit youth who are currently in custody at the Edmonton Young Offender Centre. Many of these youth face multiple barriers to success, including interrupted education, unstable housing, systemic discrimination, and limited access to technology. These barriers often continue after release, making it difficult for youth to pursue education, employment, or community reintegration.

By providing secure tablets for supervised, skill-based learning, this initiative gives youth access to tools and knowledge that are essential in today’s world. Participants will learn digital literacy, typing, Microsoft Office programs, creative design, coding, and resume-building; skills that increase their confidence, independence, and employability. These practical abilities not only support their immediate learning goals but also give them a stronger foundation to re-enter school, apply for jobs, and navigate life successfully after release.

The idea will also benefit the broader Edmonton community by reducing barriers to reintegration and promoting positive, long-term outcomes for youth. When youth leave custody with tangible skills, digital experience, and a renewed sense of capability, they are more likely to pursue education and employment instead of returning to harmful cycles. This reduces recidivism and supports safer, more inclusive communities.

In addition, this idea will benefit volunteers and staff within YRAP, who will gain new tools and skills to support interactive learning. It will strengthen the relationship between YRAP and EYOC, enabling more meaningful collaboration between community-based and correctional approaches to justice.

While the direct beneficiaries are youth in custody, the indirect impact will ripple outwards to families, schools, and future employers who will see the positive results of youth gaining confidence, self-worth, and practical abilities. The community as a whole benefits when youth are equipped with opportunities to grow, learn, and contribute.