From One
Belief to a
Movement
From Personal
Experience to
Collective Power
In 2020, Army Armstead Co-founded Emergent Works with a conviction born from lived experience: the people most affected by mass incarceration deserved more than a second chance — they deserved the tools to build entirely new futures. Having navigated the criminal justice system himself, Army understood that the gap between release and reentry wasn't just about skills. It was about dignity, community, and belief.
What began as a small mentorship initiative in New York City has grown into a comprehensive organization offering two distinct programs that address the full spectrum of needs — from digital literacy and music production to career development and community engagement.
“Digital and AI fluency isn’t optional anymore. It’s the new gateway to freedom, employment and dignity. And that’s what tech for liberation looks like.” — Army Armstead
Breaking Cycles
Through Technology
At Emergent Works, we break cycles of incarceration and poverty by equipping BIPOC individuals impacted by the criminal justice system with the tools to thrive in today's digital world. Through education, employment, economic mobility, and creativity, we empower our participants to build financial independence, grow personally, and lead within their communities.
Led by Those Who've Lived It
Our team is our greatest proof of concept. The people leading our programs have walked the same path as our participants.
Team members who have completed an EW program
Staff who have navigated the justice system
Staff who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color
Staff who identify as female
Five Years of
Proven Impact
Creative Workforce Model Takes Shape
- Expansion of technology and creative programming, including early development of the T.R.A.P model combining digital literacy, music production, and social-emotional learning.
- Strengthened partnerships with community organizations serving justice-impacted youth.
Major Funding Validation
- Emergent Works secures significant philanthropic support, including funding connected to Jack Dorsey's StartSmall Fund.
- Growth in program reach and formalization of digital skills curriculum pathways.
Workforce Outcomes & Alumni Leadership
- Graduates begin securing employment, internships, and paid contract roles connected to program participation.
- Alumni step into teaching, mentorship, and facilitation roles within Emergent Works programs.
Scaling Strategy & National Relevance
- Emergent Works strengthens partnerships with ecosystem leaders including Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and Community Justice Exchange.
- Launch of strategic planning focused on scaling digital workforce pathways and earned revenue models.
- Expansion of programming and alumni engagement structures.
Training the Next Generation & Fee-for-Service Launch
- Launched our Train the Trainer initiative, empowering alumni to become instructors within our curriculum.
- Introduced official Fee-for-Service programs, providing our programs directly to partner organizations.
- Continued expansion of alumni leadership and workforce impact through paid teaching, mentorship, and facilitation roles.
Four Pillars of Change
Digital Literacy Training
Equipping our community with practical experience with industry accepted digital tools to complete professional tasks efficiently and effectively.
Social Emotional Learning
Amplifying voices & rewriting futures through music production, audio engineering, studio recordings and mental health sessions.
Career Development
Providing foundational technical and social skills to navigate today's workplace as well as opportunities to apply learnings and gain experience.
Community Engagement
Equipping participants to collaborate and explore community issues whilst leading change through civic engagement and research.
This Story
Needs You
Whether you mentor, donate, or partner — you become part of the next chapter.
Get Involved →