In Maine, a small but transformative program allows incarcerated individuals to work remote jobs for fair pay, using laptops originally provided for education. Participants like Preston Thorpe, a software engineer earning a six-figure salary, demonstrate the potential of skilled labor in prison. Workers’ wages go into state-managed accounts, with portions allocated to restitution, fees, and personal use. While Maine takes only a 10% cut for room and board, debates continue over proposed tech fees and equity. The model stands in stark contrast to states like Alabama, where prisons profit heavily from inmate labor. With around $400,000 earned collectively last year, the program aims to expand beyond tech roles to include accessible jobs like call center work, offering a new vision for rehabilitation through dignified employment.