From Gang Bangers to Web Developers?

evenprime asks: "The Economist is running an article about a program that takes gang members in Milwaukee, sends them through rehab, and teaches them web development so that they can have a decent paying job. I think this type of program - one that gives people the ability to help themselves - is a great idea, and it is something that many of us could help with. Do slashdot readers know of any similar programs in other places? If so, what type of qualifications do you think they would require before allowing someone to help teach web design?" Such programs are just too damned cool. Are there any others like it?

Comments

A "decent paying job"?

[Ridge2001]

Last I checked web development wasn't much of a decent paying job any more.

They should train for more promising careers, like defense contractors or pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Re:Poor Choice of Title

[Evangelion]

Dammit, I was beat to the joke.

Someone mod me down as redundant, please.

Have you tried getting a job as a web developer?

[disc-chord]

This is not exactly ensuring a bright and prosperous future. I've been working my ass off for the last month... yet all I have is exactly $4 in my bank account. I need to buy food today on $4.

Frankly I'm at the point where I want to take up the trade of gang banging to get the money that's owed to me!

Is that the best choice of professional skills?!?

[pointym5]

Seems like the last thing that the labor pool needs is a whole bunch of entry-level web developers. Aren't there a lot of those looking for work nowadays?

Thanks For Devaluing My Career!

[toupsie]

Nothing better than going to work as a web developer after spending tons of money on training, certifications and years of effort only to end up having a "reformed" cold blooded murder/drug dealer/gang banger, that was set up and funded by our tax dollars through some government subsidized program, sitting in the cubicle right next you because your company wants to snag a tax break. Not only do I have to worry about Middle Eastern Terrorists ramming a plane into my building, I have to worry about a 2Pac wannabe having a PCP induced flashback and bustin' a cap in my ass!

If I am even a second late with a loan payment for my education, I have some robotic bill collector tracking me down like the Terminator. I should have been smart in my youth. Instead of studying, taking a second job and busting my rear end tracking down alternative education funding, I should broken every law in the book -- sold drugs, shot people and operated in a criminal conspiracy. I would have less debt, gotten more tail and a free education in the same career I have today. God, I am such an idiot. What was I thinking? Must have been some bizarre idea that the American Dream was achieved by hard work and respecting my fellow man.

Does it ever pay to be honest in our society anymore?

And to the question of, "Well, what you have them do?", the answer would be, "Sit in jail". If we keep rewarding bad behavior in this country, there is no use in promoting good behavior.

This program at work...

[HungWeiLo]

Here's a link to a "rehabbed" gangbanger

Re:This is what our prison systems should be doing

[n-baxley]

Here Here! Mod this up!

Herbert Kornfeld

[Pope]

Will kiz-ack your ass back to kindergarten, yo. Accounts Receivable ain't for amateurs!

Re:Oh great...

[Pfhreakaz0id]

Anything like Herbert Kornfeld
Accounts Receivable Supervisor?