#United States #Miami Gardens #Mission Launch #Bank on 100 Million #Florida Justice Center

Miami Hackathon: A Collaborative Effort to Create Workforce Solutions

From April 22 to 23, 2026, Miami will host the Bank on 100 Million Miami Hackathon at the St. Thomas University School of Law. This event is poised to spearhead significant conversations and initiatives aimed at creating practical workforce solutions for individuals affected by the justice system. With an eclectic mix of attendees—including community leaders, policy makers, corrections professionals, and innovative technologists—the hackathon seeks to devise pathways that facilitate education and employment opportunities for those returning from incarceration.

The Bank on 100 Million Miami Hackathon is organized by Mission Launch in partnership with esteemed organizations like TimeDone and the Florida Justice Center. This collaborative approach not only highlights the urgency of addressing workforce challenges but also emphasizes the need for sustainable solutions that can significantly impact local communities. In Florida alone, over 427,000 jobs remain unfilled as approximately 25,000 individuals reintegrate into society each year.

Why the Hackathon Matters

One of the driving forces behind this initiative is the alarming recidivism rate that drastically decreases when returning citizens find meaningful employment. Studies indicate that securing a job within the first year after release can lower recidivism rates from as high as 70% to a staggering 3% to 8%. This demonstrates a clear link between employment and reduced rates of re-offending, underscoring the importance of creating opportunities for individuals with justice-impacted experiences.

Structure of the Event

The two-day event is designed to be a productive working session where participants can transform their insights into actionable solutions. On Day 1, attendees will engage in various sessions, including a fireside chat led by a sheriff about reimagining corrections and re-entry. Leadership discussions will revolve around successful reintegration practices, while youth will focus on technology-enabled approaches to workforce readiness.

Day 2 will feature structured design sprints, collaborative resource mapping, and team presentations where participants will develop detailed implementation strategies for the solutions they create. Additionally, the Florida Justice Center will facilitate an on-site Expungement and Sealing Clinic, providing legal assistance to community members to help address barriers to housing and employment.

Partner Insights

Various stakeholders are proud to support this critical initiative. Teresa Hodge, the CEO of Mission Launch, emphasized that events like the hackathon move from urgency to practical execution, fostering connections between diverse sectors. Saad Soliman, National Director of TimeDone, expressed the need for redemption that strengthens communities, pointing out that meaningful employment is a cornerstone of American values. Meanwhile, Jessica Younts, Executive Director of Florida Justice Center, highlighted how their pro bono services can significantly boost wages for those navigating legal hurdles.

The Role of Technology

Supported by Aventiv Technologies, the hackathon will also explore how technology can facilitate these initiatives. By providing secure solutions suited for correctional environments, Aventiv aims to help transform community-driven ideas into feasible projects. This partnership is crucial as they look to enhance access to education and workforce training for justice-impacted individuals.

Previously, Securus Technologies, part of Aventiv, formed a partnership with Workbay to create talent pipelines from correctional institutions, resulting in nearly 300,000 job applications submitted across Florida and Texas. This integration of technology into effective workforce solutions exemplifies the forward-thinking approach that the Miami Hackathon aims to promote.

Conclusion

As the upcoming Miami Hackathon draws near, the focus remains on fostering collaboration among all involved to create viable solutions for the challenges faced by justice-impacted individuals. Through these partnerships and innovations, they aspire to pave the way for a better future—one where meaningful employment is accessible, and communities are strengthened through redemption and opportunity. Registration for this vital event is currently open and free for all interested participants.