WASHINGTON, DC – With the belief that a second chance can change a person’s life, the U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of more than $85.5 million in grants to assist individuals now or once involved in the criminal justice system to secure employment in their communities.

The department’s Employment and Training Administration – which administers the grants – has awarded 28 grants to organizations in 17 states and Washington, D.C. The awards derive from two ETA programs, 22 in the Pathway Home program and six in Young Adult Reentry Partnership program.

“The Biden-Harris administration is committed to creating more opportunities for justice-involved individuals to complete high school and college, enter apprenticeships and share the benefits as our economy continues to recover,” said Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “By investing in programs to prepare these individuals for job opportunities, the Labor Department is also investing in our communities and our families.”

Pathway Home grants will support expanded services to eligible, incarcerated individuals in state correctional facilities or local jails prior- and post-release to help eliminate the gap between release and enrollment into a reentry program leading to employment.

Young Adult Reentry Partnership grants will aid recipients in strengthening their partnerships with community colleges and link these young adults – from age 18 to 24 – now or once involved in the criminal justice system, with apprenticeships and other opportunities in their communities in growing industries including information technology, healthcare and energy.

Awards announced today are the second round of grants under the Reentry Employment Opportunities program. In July 2020, the department awarded more than $90 million in YARP and Pathway Home grants.

Lists of the recipients of grants in both programs follows this news release.