Building Second Chances Through Code
Second Story is developing a software engineering program for justice-impacted individuals, launching pilot cohort Q1-Q2 2027. We believe in transparent communication about where we are in our journey.
Program Status & Development Timeline
We believe in transparent communication about where we are in our journey. Here's our honest progress toward launching Second Story.
Planning & Development
Building program infrastructure, curriculum development, and establishing partnerships with employers and community organizations.
Pilot Program Launch
First cohort of 10-15 participants will begin the dual-track program, combining technical training with narrative workshops.
Development Milestones
Program Design Complete
Dual-track model finalized with technical and narrative components
Q4 2024Partnership Development
Building employer and community partnerships
Q1 2027Pilot Cohort Recruitment
First 10-15 participants selected
Q1-Q2 2027Program Launch
Full program begins with first cohort
Q1-Q2 2027Transparency Updates
Current Status
Planning Phase
Funding Status
Seeking Initial Funding
Team Status
Founder + Advisory Board
Legal Status
501(c)(3) Application in Progress
Important Disclaimer: These are our current development plans and projected timeline based on similar successful programs. Second Story has not yet launched - timeline and details may evolve as we secure partnerships and funding. All progress will be tracked and reported transparently.
Why Second Story Exists
Founded by Eric Petross, a justice-impacted individual who transformed 20 years of restaurant leadership into a tech career through Columbia's Justice Through Code program.
The Founder's Journey
"After two decades running kitchens, I discovered that the skills that made me successful—organization, pressure management, team leadership—translate powerfully to software development. Second Story exists because I've lived this journey and know it's possible."
Eric's transition from restaurant leadership to software engineering demonstrates the transferable skills that justice-impacted individuals bring to the tech industry. His experience forms the foundation of our curriculum and approach.
Current Status
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Founder actively enrolled at Columbia (2024-2026)
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Building partnerships with JTC and similar programs
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Developing curriculum based on real transition experience
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Seeking initial funding and employer partners
The Crisis of the Revolving Door
The cycle of incarceration is driven by systemic barriers that prevent successful reentry. Our returned citizens face staggering unemployment rates and a "Digital Cliff"—a profound lack of tech skills needed for today's economy.
Unemployment Rate for Returned Citizens (vs. ~5% for general population)
Rearrest Rate Within 9 Years of Release
Annual Cost of U.S. State and Federal Prisons
Employment Halts Recidivism
This chart shows the dramatic impact of stable employment. Securing a job for just one year drops the three-year recidivism rate by over two-thirds.
The "Digital Cliff"
Individuals reentering society today face a world transformed by technology. Without access to the internet or modern devices while incarcerated, they lack fundamental digital literacy.
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Digital illiteracy creates direct barriers to employment, services, and community reintegration.
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It isolates returning citizens, multiplying challenges and accelerating paths back to incarceration.
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Second Story bridges this gap, creating pathways to the tech economy.
The Dual-Track Model: Code + Story
A high-paying job is essential, but it's not enough. We're developing an innovative dual-track model that combines two powerful, mutually reinforcing tracks. Technical skills will get program participants the interview; narrative skills will empower them to succeed.
The Code
Rigorous, market-aligned software engineering training. Apprentices will learn full-stack web development, build real-world projects, and master technical skills for high-growth careers.
The Story
Transformative narrative workshops inspired by The Moth. Apprentices will craft and perform personal stories, building communication skills and confidence to reframe their past as resilience.
The Apprentice Journey
This is our planned program structure. We're currently in the planning phase and will adapt based on what we learn from our pilot cohort. Our program will be a comprehensive, multi-phase journey from foundational stabilization to career launch and lifelong community support. Click each phase to learn more.
Our Goals (Based on Industry Benchmarks)
We measure success through transformed lives and communities. These are projected goals based on similar successful programs like LaunchCode and employment-focused reentry initiatives. Actual results will be tracked and shared transparently once we launch.
Placement Target: 85%+
Based on LaunchCode (82%) and similar programs
Target: 85%+ placement in full-time tech roles within 3 months of graduation.
Salary Range: $55-75K
NYC junior developer average: $65K (Glassdoor 2024)
Goal: Match or exceed entry-level market rates, creating pathways to economic mobility.
Recidivism Reduction: <15%
National average: 68% | With employment: 15-20%
Our target based on employment-focused reentry programs.
Important Disclaimer: These are projected goals based on industry benchmarks and similar successful programs like LaunchCode and employment-focused reentry initiatives. Second Story has not yet launched - these represent our targets, not actual results. Once operational, all metrics will be tracked and reported transparently with quarterly impact reports.
Program Development Timeline
We're taking a methodical approach to building Second Story, ensuring each phase is properly developed and tested before scaling. Here's our realistic roadmap from concept to full operation.
Phase 1: Foundation (Current)
- Curriculum development with Columbia JTC insights
- Building employer partner network
- Securing initial funding
- Recruiting advisory board
Phase 2: Pilot Program (Q1-Q2 2027)
- 5-person pilot cohort
- 6-month intensive program
- Partnership with existing bootcamps
- Measured outcomes for scaling
Phase 3: Full Launch (2028)
- 15-person cohorts quarterly
- Dedicated facility
- Full-time instructors
- Corporate partnerships active
Organization Information
Transparency and accountability are core to our mission. Here's everything you need to know about Second Story as an organization, our governance, and our commitment to ethical operations.
Legal Status
- LLC formed: 2024
- 501(c)(3) application: In preparation
- Fiscal sponsor: Seeking partnerships
Advisory Board (Forming)
We're actively recruiting experienced leaders to guide our development:
- Seeking: Tech leaders, reentry experts, program alumni
- Current: Founder + volunteer advisors
Transparency Commitment
We believe in radical transparency and accountability:
- All metrics will be publicly reported
- Financial statements available upon request
- Impact reports published quarterly once operational
Contact for Partnership
Our 2-Year Plan & Budget
We're developing a clear, actionable roadmap for launch and growth. This chart shows our projected allocation of resources based on similar programs, demonstrating how funding will be strategically used to build our program and serve our first cohort. We're currently seeking initial funding to begin implementation.
Important Disclaimer: These are projected budget estimates based on industry benchmarks and similar programs. Actual costs may vary as we develop partnerships and refine our approach.
Help Us Build This Story
We cannot do this alone. We're building an ecosystem of partners committed to creating second chances. Whether you are a potential employer, a community organization, or a donor, you have a role to play in helping us develop this program.
Partner with Us
Become an employer partner and gain access to a pipeline of skilled, resilient, and motivated tech talent.
Express InterestWe're building our program and will contact you when we launch.
Support Us
Your financial contribution provides the resources—from laptops to living wages—that make our work possible.
Express InterestWe're seeking initial funding and will contact you when we're ready to accept donations.
Get Involved
Join our network of community partners or mentors to provide the holistic support our program participants will need to thrive.
Express InterestWe're building our program and will contact you when we launch.