Recent studies show that the United States holds the largest percentage of people who are incarcerated in the world, with a population of roughly more than 2 million. Upon release, this demographic often faces discrimination as they reenter the workforce. ADPS, a local edtech startup, is looking to change that through its tech-backed career readiness program.
On Tuesday, the NYC-based company raised $7 million in a Series C funding round to further its mission. The round was co-led by ETS Strategic Capital and New Markets Venture Partners.
“APDS is poised to transform the correctional system,” Harris Ferrell, APDS CEO, said in a statement. “The momentum is growing across the country to rethink our society’s approach to incarceration and preparation for reentry. We use our proprietary curriculum, assessments and plans to equip these individuals for long-term success.”
When individuals who were incarcerated transition to life outside of jail or prison they often face challenges ranging from a lack of direction and feeling like a burden to family members to mental health concerns and access to fair pay and employment.
Beyond helping people who are incarcerated prepare for GED exams, APDS also provides videos that help teach communication skills and how to fix unhealthy behavior patterns.
ADPS will use its fresh funds to scale its tech-fueled correctional facility services, enhance its proprietary learning platform and expand strategic partnerships. Additional funds will go toward hiring up to 10 new employees by the end of year, a company representative told Built In via email.
“We can only accomplish this mission with dedicated investors who are double bottom line-oriented,” Ferrell said. “This fundraising round will contribute directly toward continuing to develop our product, supporting sales and connecting our learners with the resources and support they need to obtain living-wage jobs.”
APDS tech services are available for free to learners in 110 correctional facilities across 17 states, including New York, New Jersey, Louisiana, Georgia and California. According to the company, its learners see a 130 percent increase in high school equivalency (HSE) passing rates and are about 70 percent more likely to complete their post-release personal and professional plans.
