January 2025
The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center, with support from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, is excited to launch the inaugural Reentry Workforce Peer-Learning cohort—an exclusive opportunity for Reentry 2030 states to learn from one another, collaborate across systems, strategize and build a shared vision for expanding economic opportunity for individuals impacted by the justice system. Participating states who have already joined Reentry 2030, including Alabama, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, and Washington, along with two states preparing to formally launch their Reentry 2030 commitments: Arizona and California.
This multi-state peer learning community is designed to promote cross-sector dialogue and explore actionable strategies to remove barriers and improve employment outcomes for people returning home from incarceration. Each state team includes leaders from corrections, labor and workforce development, education, and community-based organizations, bringing extensive expertise to the table. Throughout the cohort, states will hear from national experts and state champions who are advancing innovative approaches to reentry and workforce development. Leveraging these insights, participating teams will receive tools and technical assistance to help them better understand their own workforce ecosystems, close opportunity gaps, and develop and scale successful strategies within their state systems.
The cohort will feature five virtual, peer-learning sessions, each focused on a core issue related to reentry workforce development. Each session will include a national overview of relevant issues and trends, a state-led case study, and facilitated peer discussion. Topics include:
- Addressing collateral consequences and legal barriers
- Promoting day-one readiness
- Expanding education and workforce training pre- and post-release
- Strengthening employer engagement
- Leveraging data to track and improve outcomes
John Koufos, a second-chance hiring expert and President of Cottage Four LLC, recently served as the Keynote at a reentry employment symposium hosted by the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services—a Reentry 2030 partner and cohort team member. Reflecting on the importance of reentry workforce efforts, he shared:
“Employment—like recidivism—is a key measure of success for any effective reentry strategy. When qualified job candidates with criminal records have access to meaningful career pathways, communities are safer, families reunify and thrive, and businesses grow by tapping into a skilled, dedicated talent pool. Expanding opportunities not only drives economic growth but also helps communities prosper.”
Arizona, one of the newest states joining the Reentry 2030 movement, also voiced strong support for the cohort:
“Arizona is committed to expanding economic opportunities for people impacted by the justice system. Through the Economic Mobility Policy Academy, we look forward to developing innovative strategies that remove barriers to employment, strengthen reentry support, and build pathways to long-term success.”
Congratulations to these dynamic teams! We look forward to working alongside them to drive meaningful change in workforce outcomes for individuals impacted by the justice system. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting work gets underway.