Prisoners Writing Computer Code?

FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — Prison inmates can already get paid for making license plates in the Golden State, and soon, they’ll be able to earn a buck by writing computer code.

Inmates at San Quentin are being considered for programming jobs, which would pay wages comparable to entry-level programmers in the Bay Area. They’ll be hired by private companies, after a vetting process.

Part of their earnings would be taken to support their families, pay for boarding expenses, and compensation for victims, with the rest going into a savings account, which could be tapped upon release.

San Quentin will be the first prison in the nation to have such a program, but it’s expected to extend to other facilities.