DOL Awards $72M for Offender Workforce Reentry

WASHINGTON – When individuals exit correctional systems, they face a variety of challenges that inhibit their ability to reenter the workforce and their community. Today, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced $72,797,326 in grant funds to be awarded to 32 programs for former offenders that reduce recidivism rates and increase workforce reentry opportunities.

The workforce Reentry Project grant program supports the improvement and effectiveness of research-based, evidence-informed services that lead to better employment opportunities and outcomes for eligible participants. These grants give organizations the opportunity to develop new models with a focus on assisting communities with high poverty and crime rates in planning and implementing comprehensive reentry programs for justice-involved young adults ages 18-24 and adults age 25 and older.

The department’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) will award a total of $39,995,965 to nine intermediary organizations with up to $4.5 million awarded to each – four to serve adults and five to serve young adults. The department will also award $32,801,361 to 23 community-based organizations, with up to $1.5 million awarded to each – 14 to serve adults and nine to serve young adults.

Access a list of the recipients and the award amounts on the DOL website.