Planet Money A new experiment in remote work … from the inside
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Nov 7, 2025 
Randall Liberty, the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Corrections, shares insights into a groundbreaking experiment allowing incarcerated people to work remotely from their cells. He discusses how online education during COVID sparked this initiative, enabling inmates to earn fair market wages. Guests share stories of remote workers thriving in tech roles, breaking barriers, and finding purpose. Liberty explains the program's structure, earnings distribution, and the potential for reducing recidivism, showcasing a transformative approach to rehabilitation.
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Working Full-Time From A Prison Room
- Darlene George works full-time as a grants program coordinator from her prison room and attends meetings via Zoom.
- She tells colleagues upfront that she is incarcerated and manages work hours and responsibilities from inside.
Six-Figure Engineer Coding From Prison
- Preston Thorpe is a senior software engineer working remotely from prison and earns six figures.
- He credits coding, education in prison, and steady work for giving his life purpose and focus.
Remote Work Emerged From Prison Online Classes
- The remote-work program in Maine grew out of prison education moving online during COVID.
- Laptops approved for classes made employers and prisons consider real outside jobs and market wages for incarcerated people.