he developed the professional habits the tech industry demands: persistence, collaboration, communication, and the ability to break down challenges into solutions. But technical skills alone wouldn't be enough. Persevere's model extends far beyond technical instruction. Vincent worked closely with mentors, case managers, and coordinators who helped him prepare for life and work outside the facility. Resume building, mock interviews, career coaching, family reconnection support, and reentry planning ensured he didn't just leave with skills. He left with a roadmap. By the time he graduated, Vincent wasn't simply proficient in code; he was prepared for the expectations, culture, and pace of the tech workforce. When an opportunity opened at Vant4ge just two months after his release, Vincent was ready. For Vant4ge, a public safety technology company based in Salt Lake City, Vincent's remote work proved what forward-thinking employers already know: talent isn't limited by geography or history. "Vincent secured his offer the same way anyone does at Vant4ge: by shipping quality work," explains Sean Hosman, CEO of Vant4ge. "His QA discipline, curiosity, and pace add value on day one. When partners like Persevere prepare candidates with real skills and support, employers get high-performance team members and stronger products." The numbers tell a powerful story. While Florida's recidivism rate sits
Employers interested in meeting Persevere candidates can contact employers@perseverenow.org or vsit perseverenow.org/employer-info.
at 21.3%, Persevere graduates maintain a rate below 3% nationwide, a stark contrast that speaks to the program's effectiveness. And 87% of graduates secure employment within six months of release, transforming skills into stable careers. "Vincent's achievement shows what happens when skill meets opportunity and support," says Stacey Books, CEO of Persevere. "Persevere prepares talented people with industry-aligned training and stands with them for a full year after release; employers gain resilient, high-output contributors who strengthen teams and deliver results." Today, Vincent is living the life he once thought was impossible. "Five years ago, I would not have dreamed of being where I am right now," he reflects. "I am focused on learning, growing, and giving back to people who think their situations are hopeless." Vincent's story reflects a growing workforce trend. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (2024),81% of managers report that employees
with prior justice involvement perform as well or better than their peers. In today's remote-first tech landscape, potential is no longer defined by geography or history. It's defined only by skill, dedication, and the willingness to grow. As Hosman emphasizes, "Vant4ge strongly believes in second chances for those individuals who earn them." For employers navigating talent shortages in competitive markets, partnerships with organizations like Persevere offer access to motivated professionals who bring both technical excellence and hard-won resilience. Each morning, as Vincent logs in to work from his Florida home, the sound that begins his day is no longer a correctional institution's bell but the quiet hum of his laptop, a simple sound that represents a future rebuilt through effort, opportunity, and unwavering support. He's not just writing code. He's rewriting his story.
Florida Technology Magazine – 2026 Legislative Edition – 21
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