American Prison Data Systems, a New York City-based provider of educational devices and instructional technology to correctional facilities, has raised $5 million in Series B funding led by New Markets Venture Partners and Rethink Education—both existing investors in the company. Other supporters in this round include Partnership Fund for New York, Converge Venture Partners, ECMC Group, New U Venture Partners and Strada Education Network.
Founded in 2012, APDS provides secure tablets, internet access and online educational resources and videos from content partners, such as TED Talks, to inmates in correctional facilities. These programs cover a range of topics, from GED preparation and English to entrepreneurship education and career readiness.
The goal is to help incarcerated learners develop skills they need to succeed after they leave. APDS doesn’t charge inmates to use its tools, unlike other prison technology providers. Instead, its revenue comes from the facilities.
In its funding announcement, the company claims its tablets have been used in 88 correctional facilities across 17 states. One of them is the D.C. Central Detention Facility, which EdSurge reporter Rebecca Koenig visited last year for an award-winning feature about its unique educational program for inmates.
