Cortex District member Unlocked Labs leads computer program for incarcerated women at St. Louis jail

A new program at the St. Louis jail is putting secure computers in the hands of incarcerated women.

Residents of the jail’s women's floor have the opportunity to leave their cells to use laptops for educational purposes for one hour three days a week. It’s the result of a collaboration among the St. Louis City Justice Center, the Office of Violence Prevention and local tech nonprofit Unlocked Labs.

The computers have UnlockEd software installed, allowing detainees access to educational materials on topics including parenting, music and meditation.

Danielle Koeller was watching a video about becoming a public speaker after incarceration, which she wants to pursue.

“Young women out there can do better. I hope to help them one day,” Koeller said. “This is helping me learn how to do that.”