Workforce groups get $10.2M in federal grants for reentry employment
The U.S. Department of Labor recently awarded $10.2 million in federal grants to support reentry employment initiatives across Indiana. These funds aim to assist individuals returning to the workforce after incarceration by providing skilled trade training, apprenticeships, and transitional job opportunities.
The grant money is split between the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and a coalition consisting of Keys2Work, RecycleForce, and 2nd Chance Indiana. The nonprofit partnership targets young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 through a project titled Developing the Work Muscle. This program intends to reach 680 participants over the next three years across seven counties, including Marion County.
RecycleForce provides transitional employment in Indianapolis, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience through the ABC model of career progression. Employees have access to various certifications, including hazardous waste management and safety training. The initiative emphasizes a supportive environment where participants receive mentorship from peers who share similar experiences.
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development received the remaining portion of the funding to serve adults aged 25 and older. Most of this capital will flow to local workforce boards across the state to manage training programs and necessary support services. In Indianapolis, the local workforce board EmployIndy will handle the distribution of these resources to help formerly incarcerated residents secure stable employment.
Enrollment for the programs managed by Keys2Work is expected to begin before October 1, primarily through referrals from the Indiana Department of Corrections. These efforts highlight a shift toward specialized vocational training to address employment barriers for those transitioning out of the prison system.