US Department of Labor announces $25M in available funding to support pre-release training, employment services to incarcerated people

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of at least $25 million in grants to support training and employment services for incarcerated individuals before and after their release from state, county or local correctional facilities. By providing reentry services during incarceration and after release, these grants will help improve employment outcomes in the reentry process and reduce recidivism.

The department’s Employment and Training Administration will fund approximately 12 Pathway Home grant projects designed to eliminate the time gap between participants’ release from incarceration and their enrollment in a workforce development reentry program leading to skills-based employment.

The funding will help provide those reentering society from incarceration with legal assistance, counseling, job search strategies and other foundational skills and services before their release. Programs will support Registered Apprenticeships and occupational training that leads to industry-recognized credentials and supportive services upon release.

Authorized by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Pathway Home 6 Grants will enable grantees to establish formal, lasting partnerships with employers. Through the program, participants will earn the training, skills, and credentials they need to overcome barriers to acquiring jobs or continued employment.  

Learn more about the Pathway Home 6 funding opportunity and apply.