Aventiv Technologies and U.S. Dream Academy Partner to Bridge the Digital Divide for Children of Incarcerated Parents with Back-to-School Donation

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The image shows four individuals, two men and two women, posing together and holding a large check from Aventiv, a security company, presented to the U.S. Dream Academy.

From left to right: Shamia Lodge, Director Stakeholder Engagement at Aventiv Technologies, Carlyle I Holder; Chairman, U.S. Dream Academy Board of Directors; Kevin Elder, President Securus/Aventiv Technologies; Alisha Shoates James; Senior VP at Aventiv Technologies.

Plano, TX – November 6, 2025 – Aventiv Technologies, a leader in corrections technology, is actively working to close the learning gap for children of incarcerated parents. Through a $12,500 donation to the U.S. Dream Academy, Aventiv is providing 50 students nationwide with new laptops, a crucial investment that enables them to stay connected, pursue their education, and overcome barriers to opportunity, helping to build brighter futures.

This donation signifies the growth of Aventiv’s partnership with the U.S. Dream Academy, which launched in April 2025. The collaboration began by leveraging Aventiv’s network of secure tablets across 1,800 correctional facilities nationwide to recruit mentors and connect incarcerated parents with vital resources they can share with their children, supporting their education needs. Now, in response to a direct need identified by participating families, Aventiv is accelerating its impact with a direct technology investment: 50 new laptops are going to students across Florida, California, Georgia, and D.C. For many of these children, who live in digital deserts or rely on limited mobile devices, these laptops are a lifeline to mentors, education, and opportunities.

The need is urgent: more than 2.7 million children in the United States have an incarcerated parent, and research shows they are significantly more likely to repeat a grade, drop out of school, or face barriers to higher education. Studies show that consistent access to digital tools improves homework completion, engagement with teachers and mentors, and overall school performance, benefits that are especially critical for children navigating the impact of incarceration. Without support, these children face greater risks of academic failure, behavioral challenges, and school dropout, all of which perpetuate systemic inequities.

“What makes this partnership effective is that it starts with listening, so when a caretaker shared that their child only had a cell phone, making it impossible to connect with a mentor, we saw the digital divide firsthand,” said Margita Thompson, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Aventiv Technologies. “Providing these laptops ensures children can consistently connect with their mentors, gain digital tools, and build a pathway to success, direct investment in safer, stronger communities.”

Aventiv continues to expand its efforts to address the root causes of incarceration by supporting access to education, reentry opportunities, and family connectivity. This partnership with U.S. Dream Academy reflects the company’s belief that investing in children today reduces recidivism, strengthens families, and fosters safer communities tomorrow.

“Every donation is important because it helps us sustain or expand our programs at a time when government grants are shrinking,” said Carlyle I. Holder, Chairman of the U.S. Dream Academy Board of Directors. “We want to work with companies that understand the problem and are willing to help solve it. By working together for the same goal, we can have an impact.”

Celebrating the power of mentorship and second chances, Anye Young’s journey from mentee to mentor emphasizes the long-term impact of programs like this one. Once part of the U.S. Dream Academy, Anye joined Aventiv through its internship program and has since become a full-time Stakeholder Engagement Specialist. Today, she’s using experience to uplift young people navigating similar paths.

“The Academy didn’t just support me, it helped me envision a future I never thought possible,” said Young. “Now, as part of the Aventiv team, I get to pay it forward. I’m proud to help bring this partnership to life and inspire others to dream boldly and believe in their potential.”

For more information, visit www.usdreamacademy.org/mentorship.

About Aventiv Technologies
Aventiv Technologies, headquartered in Plano, Texas, is a leading provider of innovative, secure technology solutions that transform connectivity for correctional facilities, law enforcement agencies, incarcerated individuals, and their loved ones. Through its trusted brands—Securus Technologies®, Securus Monitoring®, and JPay®— Aventiv delivers over 80 cost-effective, safety-enhancing products that drive operational efficiency and create meaningful connections that strengthen community outcomes. Serving over 1,800 agencies nationwide, Aventiv is part of the Platinum Equity portfolio. Learn more at www.Aventiv.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.

About The U.S. Dream Academy

The U.S. Dream Academy is a national after-school program that aims to develop the next generational of globally minded, character driven leaders and help our nation’s children reach for their dreams. The mission of the U.S. Dream Academy is to inspire and invest in the lives of children of incarcerated parents and families in communities harmed by systemic inequities through high-performance relationships with caring adults. For more information, visit www.usdreamacademy.org.

By Aventiv Technologies | | Type: Press Release