U.S. Manufacturers are facing a serious shortage of skilled workers. Many applicants just don’t seem to have the skills necessary to produce the increasingly sophisticated products that American factories are creating. While some companies are teaming up with community colleges […]
Council of State Governments creates Pathways to Prosperity
The attitude of employers is often the biggest obstacle to employment for those with criminal records. It’s almost like hitting the proverbial brick wall. But the Council of State Governments is out to change those entrenched attitudes. This nonprofit organization […]
Maritime industry offers opportunities to ex-offenders
Formerly incarcerated job seekers may want to check out jobs in the maritime trades, and a new maritime painting class in the San Francisco Bay Area is just one example of some of the opportunities that exist. A joint venture […]
RAND Corp. study calls for greater attention to inmate education
In its “How Effective is Correctional Education, and Where do We Go From Here?” research report, the RAND Corp. evaluated the content, funding and future of education programs at correctional facilities across the U.S. Through funding from the Second Chance […]
Oregon Youth Authority expands tattoo removal program
Removing tattoos during incarceration is an excellent way to help those who have gang-related or anti-social tattoos begin to leave their past lives behind. Considering the effectiveness of these programs, it’s surprising that there are not more of them around, […]
Job search tactics: Getting to the hiring manager
In these days when job boards and company websites can suck resumes into a black hole never to be seen again, it’s often only those eager to try different tactics who will find success. But it’s not easy. And it […]
Texas nonprofit hires ex-offenders to build houses for veterans
Maria Schneider is out to change the construction industry in Dallas, Texas, one ex-offender at time. Her way to do this: By building a nonprofit that sells rehabbed homes to veterans at below market rate prices and hires employees who […]
Is a college degree necessary to get a good job?
Many college grads are deep in debt with college loans these days. You’ve heard the news. They can’t find a job. Living at home. Some have given up and don’t know what to do. Which brings up the question: Is […]
Back on Track LA receives Second Chance Act funding
The California Attorney General’s Office has been awarded nearly $750,000 in federal grant funds for Back on Track LA, a recidivism reducation pilot program. The program is one of only four in the nation to receive the funding, granted through […]
Kaitlyn Harger researches how visible tattoos affect recidivism
It’s certainly no secret that visible tattoos can be an obstacle to success, whether in a job search or in one’s personal life. But they can also land ex-offenders back in prison faster than those who don’t have them. And we […]