Katie Wald’s Withstand: Reducing Recidivism Through Design-Driven Solutions

Withstand Reducing recidivism, one job at a time. Overview Withstand is a job search platform designed specifically for formerly incarcerated individuals and those looking to hire them. The platform’s mission is to reduce recidivism and humanize the process of reentering civilian life. Withstand achieves this through a combination of educational resources, donations, and, most importantly, by helping people secure meaningful employment that empowers them to build a stable future. Problem The U.S. has a recidivism rate of over 70%, the highest in the world. This alarming statistic underscores the challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals in securing stable employment and reintegrating into society. Employment is a critical factor in reducing recidivism, yet many who are released