Having a felony on your record often blocks access to steady employment, affordable housing, education, and even voting rights in some states. In 2024, the unemployment rate for formerly incarcerated individuals reached 27%, nearly 5 times higher than the national average. Many employers still hesitate to hire felons, even when laws protect their rights.
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) provides targeted grant programs that help people with criminal records gain access to job training, reentry services, and a pathway to long-term employment.
Federal grants from the Department of Labor help break that cycle by offering:
- 🎓 Free skills training
- 💼 Job placement support
- 💡 Entrepreneurship mentoring
- 🤝 Reentry services, such as housing and counseling
1. Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) Program
Formerly known as: Reentry Projects (RP)
Purpose:
Helps people with past criminal records transition into the workforce through education, job readiness, and mentorship.
Features:
- Occupational skills training
- Career counseling
- Legal aid (e.g., help with expungement)
- Support services (transportation, clothing, housing)
- Job placement assistance
Who’s Eligible?
- Adults with felony convictions
- Youths aged 18–24 in high-risk areas
- Those reentering society within 180 days of release
Funding:
Over $140 million in grants were awarded in 2023, with similar funding expected in 2025.
Source: REO Program – DOL.gov
2. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
Purpose:
WIOA is the foundation of most job-training and employment services offered by the federal government, and yes—it serves felons too.
Services Offered:
- GED and literacy programs
- Industry-recognized credentials
- Internships and apprenticeships
- Soft skills development (e.g., communication, time management)
Where to Apply:
- Local American Job Centers (AJCs) – available in every U.S. state and territory.
Find your AJC: CareerOneStop.org
3. Pathway Home Grants
Purpose:
Designed for inmates nearing release, this grant helps them access job training before leaving prison and ensures continued support after reentry.
Benefits:
- Paid on-the-job training
- Employer partnerships while still incarcerated
- Continued mentoring post-release
4. Federal Bonding Program
What’s This?
An insurance program that protects employers who hire individuals with criminal records. It covers theft, fraud, and dishonesty up to $25,000 for the first six months of employment—at no cost to the employer.
Why It Matters:
Employers feel safer hiring someone with a record. Felons get a better shot at proving their worth.
5. Job Corps (For Ages 16–24)
Purpose:
Provides free education and job training to young adults, including those with past convictions.
Training Fields Include:
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Culinary Arts
- IT & Cybersecurity
Graduates often leave with certifications, a diploma, and a job lined up.
Learn More: JobCorps.gov
How to Apply for These Grants?
Step-by-Step Process:
- Locate Your Local American Job Center
👉 Use: CareerOneStop Finder - Meet With a Career Counselor
- Discuss your goals, barriers, and background
- Ask about eligibility for REO, WIOA, or other local reentry programs
- Register for Available Workshops & Services
- Resume building, interview prep, application help
- Follow Up & Stay Consistent
- Job search takes time, especially with a record
- Leverage Community Partners
- Nonprofits like Goodwill, The Doe Fund, and Safer Foundation often work with DOL-funded programs
Success Stories: Former Inmate Life Change
🔹 Jerome, Chicago IL – “From Cellblock to Cybersecurity”
Jerome was incarcerated for 6 years on felony drug charges. After release, he enrolled in a WIOA-sponsored IT program through an American Job Center. Within 14 months, Jerome earned his CompTIA certification and landed a tech support job paying $22/hour.
“That program didn’t just teach me skills—it gave me confidence,” Jerome says.
🔹 Tasha, Atlanta GA – “Welding Her Future”
Tasha, a former inmate and single mom, entered a Job Corps welding course. Today, she’s making $27/hour and plans to open her own fabrication shop.
Additional Resources for Felons
| Organization | What They Offer | Website |
| Prison Fellowship | Mentorship, reentry coaching | prisonfellowship.org |
| The Doe Fund | Transitional housing + job training | doefund.org |
| Goodwill | Skills training & job placement | goodwill.org |
| National HIRE Network | Legal help & reentry info by state | hirenetwork.org |
Final Thought
Let’s be real—nobody walks out of prison into a dream job. But the Department of Labor’s grants for felons are a lifeline. They’re about giving people tools, not handouts—skills, not pity. With the right support, you can get on a path to financial independence, personal growth, and a crime-free life.
If you or someone you love is coming home soon, don’t wait. Visit your local American Job Center, talk to a counselor, and take that first step.
FAQs
Can felons get Pell Grants or federal student aid?
Yes! As of 2024, the ban on Pell Grants for incarcerated individuals has been lifted. Felons can now apply for federal student aid.
Are these Department of Labor programs available in every state?
Yes. While funding levels vary, each state receives DOL funding through workforce boards, community colleges, and nonprofits.
What if I’m still in prison?
Programs like Pathway Home are designed for inmates within 20–180 days of release. Ask your case manager or counselor for available pre-release services.
Can I start a business with these grants?
Some local workforce programs offer entrepreneurship training. However, federal grant money rarely goes directly to starting a business—but you can use training to become job-ready and fund your future plans.
