US Department of Labor announces availability of $32 million in grants to help formerly incarcerated juveniles and women prepare to enter the workforce

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of approximately $32 million through two grant competitions that will offer job training, education and support services to formerly incarcerated youths and women.

"We are a country that believes in second chances," said acting Secretary of Labor Seth D. Harris. "Job training offers opportunities to learn skills and reshape lives. The grants announced today will provide critical support for women and young people who are eager for employment and a productive role in their communities."

The department will award a total of $20 million to four organizations to operate programs that work with juvenile offenders and youths at-risk of becoming juvenile offenders in high-poverty, high-crime communities. Each organization may submit only one application for a grant of up to $5 million.

Additionally, the department will award a total of $12 million to eight organizations to provide job training for formerly incarcerated individuals of all ages that leads to industry-recognized credentials. Mentoring and assistance connecting to supportive services such as housing, substance abuse and mental health treatment, and assistance with parenting and child reunification, also will be available to participants. These grants are designed to expand opportunities for both youths and adults who demonstrate characteristics most common to female former offenders. However, services must also be open to eligible formerly incarcerated males. Each organization may submit only one application for a grant of up to $1.5 million.

"Expanding access to job training programs and educational opportunities is a proven strategy for reducing recidivism and preventing crime," said Attorney General Eric Holder. "By supporting efforts to help formerly incarcerated women and young adults rebuild their lives – and become productive, law-abiding members of their communities – the departments of Justice and Labor are making good on our shared commitment to improving outcomes and ensuring public safety."

Reintegrating formerly incarcerated individuals is a government-wide effort supported by the Federal Interagency Re-entry Council. Chaired by the U.S. Department of Justice, the council brings together numerous federal agencies to advance policies and programs to make communities safer, assist individuals returning to communities from prison or jail in becoming productive taxpaying citizens, and save taxpayer dollars by lowering the direct and collateral costs of incarceration.

Any nonprofit organization with 501 (3)(c) status that meets the requirements of the solicitation may apply. The solicitations for grant applications, which include information about how to apply, are available at http://www.grants.gov.