The usage of technology and physical devices for work, play, and education is so pervasive that it’s often taken for granted. But this is not the case for incarcerated people who lack access to technology. Aventiv Technologies is leading the charge to reverse that trend through bold innovation and purpose-driven work.

Aventiv Technologies provides secure tablets that keep incarcerated individuals connected to their families, legal support, and educational opportunities—even enabling degree completion. Its latest innovation, the EVOTAB, launched in August 2024, features a tamper-resistant design, GPS tracking, and biometric security—engineered specifically for correctional settings. With LTE connectivity and access to communication, education, and reentry tools, EVOTAB supports rehabilitation while enhancing facility operations and staff management.

Being in a confined space for any length of time is stressful, and these devices have made for a safer environment, says Margita Thompson, Aventiv's Chief Corporate Affairs Officer. “Our technology platforms are more than communication tools—they serve as gateways to digital literacy, job readiness, and economic empowerment. By equipping individuals with critical skills while they're inside, we’re laying the foundation for more stable reentry and long-term employment, which ultimately strengthens both families and communities.”

“This is especially important in the Latino community,” says Thompson. “Data shows that one in six Latino men will face incarceration in their lifetime. Aventiv’s investment in bridging the digital divide inside correctional facilities is about creating access to education, digital literacy, and job skills. While the need is urgent in Latino communities, the impact extends beyond—strengthening families, supporting reentry, and expanding opportunity for all.”

Thompson joined Aventiv after more than 25 years in communications and government, including serving in the first George W. Bush administration and as Press Secretary to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. “When people ask what I do now, there’s always a pause—they’re intrigued, because this isn’t a space most people think about,” she explains. “But what we’re doing is part of a broader evolution in technology and access. Aventiv has gone from providing wall-mounted phones to secure tablets—today, we have more than 600,000 tablets in circulation across state and county facilities, and we’re just getting started.”

Aventiv is working to help make tablets and learning materials available to those who want them. “We have a variety of content including educational, mental health, inspirational, and some original content. Our customers are the law enforcement entities we contract with; And our consumers are the incarcerated individuals and their friends and family,” says Thompson.

Research has long shown that the Hispanic community consistently uses technology far more than other groups, she explains: “We’re a community that likes to connect. It highlights how a forward strategy on using technology really helps the Latino community because it’s a community that’s very accustomed to connecting and communicating.”

Aventiv offers content in Spanish, which after English is the most commonly spoken language among populations in correctional facilities. “There’s access to millions of Spanish-language songs from major Latin artists. There are many movie options in Spanish and others with Spanish subtitles. We’ve got audio books and podcasts, and a daily audio Bible in Spanish, as well as translation tools for correctional officers.”

Another technology product is Aventiv’s third-party Edovo application, which provides incarcerated persons access to educational, vocational, and rehabilitative programs. Its curriculum helps them build skills and prepares them to be successful returning citizens. “The app offers content that can be modified to a specific learner's needs, ” says Thompson. “It also offers some skill-based training, substance use treatment, and parenting guidance.”

Another resource is Workbay, a career navigation platform, providing learning and resources to optimize reentry readiness. The tool has many innovative features such as an AI-powered resume creator to help kick off a user’s journey to obtain gainful employment. One of the biggest stumbling blocks for returning citizens is finding gainful employment while dealing with the stigma of being formerly incarcerated. There is a 70 percent recidivism rate affecting over 1.9 million justice-impacted individuals in the U.S.

“One of the biggest predictors of whether someone is going to go back into prison is if they're able to get a job. But the challenge is how can they get a job once they've been incarcerated? Because for a lot of people, if you have to check that box, you're automatically eliminated from consideration. So, you want to be able to figure out how to navigate who's even willing to give them a chance,” Thompson tells LATINO Magazine.

Aventiv has developed an initiative called the Justice Sandbox that partners with formerly incarcerated tech founders to help those still in the system. The program allows for a “plug-and-play platform to connect, test, and launch content.”

Aventiv has also introduced a device for correctional officers called the Officer T80 tablet which “equips staff with tools to enhance operational efficiency and improve safety.” The Officer T80 features third-party applications exclusively designed to meet officers’ needs, “simplifying technology management, reducing costs, and improving user accessibility,” according to the company.

“It's not just the incarcerated individuals who benefit from access to tablets,” says Thompson. “Correctional officers, including the 14.3% who are Latino, also need improved access to technology to perform their duties effectively. By equipping both staff and incarcerated individuals with these tools, we're fostering a more stable environment that supports rehabilitation and successful reentry into society.”

Many older U.S. correctional facilities were never built with connectivity and technological accessibility in mind, which makes access through steel and reinforced concrete much harder to achieve. But Aventiv has been working on tools for easier integration within these facilities, such as using cellular network with enhanced security that connects to a cloud platform, rather than the greater expense of retrofitting with physical hardware. In 2024, Aventiv delivered connectivity for over 400 million calls and 2.4 million video calls.

It's all part of Aventiv’s mission to meet the needs of incarcerated persons and help ensure a successful outcome once they leave the system, says Thompson: “The introduction of tablets and technology has made facilities safer, more connected, and better equipped staff to support rehabilitation. It’s a clear example of how both law enforcement and incarcerated individuals benefit when we invest in smart, purposeful innovation It’s a win-win situation all around.”

Overall, Aventiv offers more than 80 solutions and serves 1,800 public safety, law enforcement, and corrections agencies across North America. “We want to make sure we create systems nationwide where people feel that their voice is being heard. We’re bridging the digital divide inside facilities to open doors outside of them.”