Course

Digital Economy

This introductory, self-directed course helps people in prison become more literate about the rapidly evolving digital economy. Drawing from my personal journey of learning about Bitcoin, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and alternative cryptocurrencies, this workbook simplifies complex topics, making them accessible even to those unfamiliar with the digital landscape. Participants will gain insights into decentralized finance and understand how cryptocurrency is reshaping economies worldwide. Additionally, I share practical strategies and personal experiences from building a Bitcoin portfolio that now exceeds $2 million in value.

Buy on Amazon
Or download if you can’t afford it.

I wrote Digital Economy to empower justice-impacted individuals with the essential skills and insights they need to thrive in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape. During my 26 years in prison, I learned firsthand about the enormous hurdles people face when preparing for success upon release. People in prison have to work through many obstructions, especially when it comes to preparing for meaningful employment and economic independence.

With personal experience of going through all those hurdles, I created this workbook on the Digital Economy to provide practical strategies and clear guidance for navigating modern financial and technological systems, even in environments without internet access.

Since people in prison typically do not have access to the internet, all of the resources I create are designed to be self-directed. My hope is to provide individuals with a structured way to learn critical skills while incarcerated, enabling them to hit the ground running upon release.

In this self-directed course, students will explore vital concepts including digital literacy, cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and the broader digital marketplace. I intentionally simplify these complex subjects, making them accessible regardless of a student's previous familiarity with technology. Each lesson includes actionable steps, critical thinking exercises, vocabulary building, and opportunities to build practical skills that translate directly into real-world applications.

By working through the Digital Economy workbook, students will:

  • Understand foundational digital concepts that employers and entrepreneurs increasingly expect.
  • Learn about cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies, opening doors to new financial opportunities and digital asset management.
  • Gain insights into artificial intelligence and its growing role in various industries, positioning themselves for future-oriented careers.
  • Develop practical digital skills, improving their marketability and confidence upon release.

My ultimate goal with this workbook is to help people learn, regardless of what resources the prison provides. Through our nonprofit, we offer daily lessons, and through the workbooks, we strive to help people stay engaged.

Self-directed courses empower people in prison to prepare for success in the modern economy. Whether individuals are currently incarcerated or preparing for their return to society, Digital Economy provides a clear and structured pathway toward economic empowerment and personal transformation. I also show how I got started as an investor in Bitcoin.

Supporting videos & Podcast EPISODES

Silicon Valley Ted
Corporate Events
Pioneer Industries
Fund Raisers
California Wellness
Keynotes
Prison Presentations
Prison Presentations
US Berkley 2013
Universities

Principles we teach

The origins of our self-directed courses began with readings of Socrates, Frederick Douglass, Nelson Mandela, and modern leaders who teach us how to live as if we're the CEO of our life. To overcome any crisis, or build solutions, follow the principles of our Straight-A Guide.

View all
Attitude
Attitude
By adopting a values-based, goal-oriented mindset, I could more easily navigate the complexities of confinement. Instead of seeing all that was bad around me, I could find ways to conquer adversity and work toward a brighter future. It opened a better attitude, empowering me along the way. Attitude influences success.
Aspiration
Aspiration
During my sentencing hearing, I remember Judge Tanner telling me that I'd be an old man before I got out of prison. He sentenced me to 45-years. Life could have seemed bleak. Yet I returned to my solitary cell with a new vision. Leaders had taught me to focus on what I could control. Through reflection and aspiration, I found a path to purpose.
Action
Action
We should expect obstacles, but we can't allow them to define our path or limit our pursuit of success. The Straight-A Guide became my framework for persevering through challenges and obstacles, helping me focus on the action steps I could take each day, regardless of what adversity I had to endure. Take bold action steps to build success.
Accountability
Accountability
To transform our lives, we need tools that allow us to measure progress. Those tools, which we call our accountability metrics, empower transformation. While serving 26 years, accountability tools helped me take full ownership of my actions. They kept me moving toward the milestones I had to work toward each day.
Awareness
Awareness
To climb through adversity, we've got to keep our head in the game, staying aware of every opportunity around us. The more we think about what we're striving to build, the more aware we become of action steps we can take. Others become aware of our commitment, too, which creates a virtuous cycle of growth. Awareness opens opportunities to succeed.
Authenticity
Authenticity
To empower ourselves while climbing from adversity to success, we've got to be authentic. We don't grow confidence by talking. We have to take meaningful steps, adhering to a plan we established on our pathway to success. If we prioritize our actions, then develop our tools, tactics, and resources, our commitment becomes self-evident.
Achievement
Achievement
Incremental achievements can help anyone climb out of adversity and into a life of meaning, relevance, and dignity. We start by defining success, then lay out the plan with incremental steps. As we reach milestones, we grow our self-confidence. This strategy helped me grow stronger while serving 26 years in prison. Celebrate little achievements.
Appreciation
Appreciation
Adversity is part of life, and there will always be more. The 26 years I had to serve helped me learn how to appreciate the blessings of my life. Living in gratitude is a powerful tool for transformation. Even when living amidst challenges, we can open doors to hope and opportunity. Gratitude creates space for growth, resilience, and success.

Book reviews

[short description here] lorem ipsum is a placeholder text to demonstrate the visual form of a typeface without relying on meaningful content.

No items found.

Who we serve

We offer resources that people who are going through a crisis or challenge can use to recalibrate. It's never too early or too late to begin building pathways to a better outcome. Each individual can build a body of work that opens opportunities for the next phase, empowering them to live meaningful, contributing lives.

Incarcerated Learners

Get access to our lessons, books, or self-directed courses. Regardless of what staff do, you grow.

Correctional Facilities

Improve the culture of your facility, inspiring people to learn. Be the change you want to see.

Defense Attorneys and legal profession

Offering resources to help people develop assets for self-advocacy, building mitigation stories.

Family, loved ones, & Friends

Download daily lessons to inspire people in custody. Help them build self-confidence and prepare.

Background ImageBackground Image

Take action
with us.

Donate
Buy a Book
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.