Job Training & Benefits

Second Chance Act Reentry Programs: Job Training and Education Benefits for People with Criminal Records

If you or someone you love has a conviction history, federally funded Second Chance Act programs may help cover job training, education, and reentry support — here's what they are and how to access them.

May 25, 2026·By Keisha Washington·✓ Reviewed May 2026

Key Takeaways

✓The Second Chance Act funds reentry education and employment programs specifically designed for people leaving incarceration or with conviction histories.
✓Programs funded under the Second Chance Act may cover job training, vocational education, GED completion, transitional employment, and wraparound support services.
✓American Job Centers (AJCs) are a primary access point for reentry job services and may connect you to WIOA-funded training grants alongside Second Chance Act resources.
✓Eligibility and available services vary significantly by state and local program — what's offered in one county may not exist in another.
✓Being denied once does not close the door — appeals processes and alternative programs exist at the federal, state, and local level.

Informational guide only. Not affiliated with any government agency. Program details vary by state and change frequently. Verify eligibility directly with your local agency or at Benefits.gov.

Second Chance Act reentry programs provide federally funded job training, education, and employment support for people with criminal records — including those currently incarcerated, recently released, or facing long-term barriers to employment because of a conviction history. If you've been struggling to find stable work after incarceration, these programs may be one of the most direct pathways to funded training and job placement support available to you right now.

What Is the Second Chance Act?

The Second Chance Act (SCA) is a federal law — originally passed in 2008 and reauthorized through the First Step Act and subsequent legislation — that authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) to fund grants to state and local governments, nonprofits, and reentry organizations. These grants support programs that help people successfully transition from incarceration back into their communities.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), a division of the DOJ's Office of Justice Programs, administers most Second Chance Act grant funding. BJA awards competitive grants to organizations that then deliver services directly to individuals. That means you won't apply to BJA directly — you'll connect with a local program that has received SCA funding.

What Services May Be Available Through SCA-Funded Programs

Second Chance Act grants can fund a wide range of reentry services. Depending on what's available in your area, a local SCA-funded program may help with:

Education and Vocational Training - GED and high school equivalency preparation - Vocational and technical skills training (construction, healthcare, culinary, logistics, and more) - Community college enrollment support - Occupational licensing assistance, including help navigating licensing restrictions tied to conviction history

Employment Services - Job readiness workshops and resume building - Transitional employment and paid work experience - Job placement and employer connections - Mentorship from formerly incarcerated individuals who are now employed

Wraparound Support - Housing navigation and transitional housing referrals - Substance use treatment and mental health services - Transportation assistance - Benefits enrollment help (including SNAP, Medicaid, and SSI/SSDI screening)

Benefit amounts and specific services vary by program, grant award, and location. Not every SCA-funded program offers every service listed above.

How Second Chance Act Programs Connect to WIOA Training Grants

Many people navigating reentry are eligible for more than one federal program at the same time. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) — administered by the U.S. Department of Labor — funds training grants through American Job Centers (AJCs) nationwide. People with barriers to employment, including conviction histories, are a priority population under WIOA.

If you visit an American Job Center, a career counselor can assess whether you may be eligible for: - Individual Training Accounts (ITAs): WIOA-funded vouchers that may cover tuition at approved training providers - Adult and Dislocated Worker programs: Career services, skills assessments, and job placement support - Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO): A DOL-funded initiative specifically targeting people with justice involvement

AJCs often partner directly with local SCA-funded reentry organizations, so one visit may connect you to multiple streams of support.

Who May Be Eligible

Second Chance Act programs are designed for: - Adults currently incarcerated in federal, state, or local facilities - Individuals recently released from incarceration (timeframes vary by program) - People with conviction histories facing long-term employment barriers - Youth (under some grant categories) with juvenile justice involvement

There is no universal income threshold for SCA programs the way there is for SNAP or Medicaid — eligibility is primarily based on justice involvement and program-specific criteria set by the local grantee. Some programs prioritize individuals within a certain number of months post-release; others serve people years out from their release date.

How to Find a Second Chance Act Program Near You

Because SCA funding flows through local grantees, there is no single national application portal. Here's how to locate programs in your area:

Contact your nearest American Job Center. Use the AJC locator at careeronestop.org or call 1-877-872-5627. Staff can identify local reentry programs and WIOA services you may be eligible for.
Ask your reentry coordinator or case manager. If you are currently incarcerated or on supervision, your facility's reentry coordinator or probation/parole officer may have a list of SCA-funded providers in your release area.
Search the BJA's grant award database. The Bureau of Justice Assistance publishes grant award information at bja.ojp.gov, where you can search for Second Chance Act grantees by state.
Contact local nonprofits and reentry organizations. Organizations like Volunteers of America, Goodwill Industries, and local workforce development boards often receive SCA funding and can connect you to services.

What to Bring When You Connect With a Program

While requirements vary, having these documents ready can speed up the intake process: - Government-issued photo ID (state ID, driver's license, or passport) - Social Security card or proof of Social Security number - Release paperwork or supervision documentation (if applicable) - Any existing résumé or work history information - Documentation of prior education or training

If you're missing documents like a birth certificate or state ID, many reentry programs can help you obtain them — that's often one of the first things they assist with.

If You're Denied or Can't Find a Local Program

Not every area has active SCA-funded programs, and some programs have waitlists. If you hit a wall: - Request a WIOA assessment at your American Job Center — WIOA services are available in every state and do not require a specific SCA grant to be active locally. - Ask about the Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) program specifically — it's a DOL initiative with dedicated funding for justice-involved individuals. - Check with your state workforce agency — many states have their own reentry employment initiatives funded through state budgets or separate federal grants. - Contact a legal aid organization if you believe a licensing restriction or background check policy is unlawfully blocking your employment — some states have enacted "ban the box" and fair chance hiring laws that may apply to your situation.

Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency.

Last reviewed: May 2026

Sources & Further Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I access Second Chance Act programs while still incarcerated?

Yes. Some Second Chance Act grants specifically fund pre-release programming inside correctional facilities, including vocational training, GED preparation, and reentry planning. Ask your facility's case manager or reentry coordinator whether your institution has an active SCA-funded program, and request enrollment as early as possible before your release date.

Do Second Chance Act programs pay a stipend or wage?

Some SCA-funded programs include transitional employment components that provide a paid work experience or wage subsidy — benefit amounts vary by program and grant. Not all SCA programs include direct financial payments. Ask the specific program about any paid components during your intake conversation.

Will a felony conviction disqualify me from WIOA job training grants?

A felony conviction does not automatically disqualify you from WIOA-funded Individual Training Accounts or Adult program services. People with barriers to employment, including justice involvement, are a priority population under WIOA. Eligibility is determined by your local American Job Center based on your individual circumstances and program availability.

How do I find out if there's a Second Chance Act program in my city?

Start by calling your nearest American Job Center at 1-877-872-5627 or visiting careeronestop.org. You can also search the Bureau of Justice Assistance grant database at bja.ojp.gov for Second Chance Act grantees in your state. Local reentry nonprofits and probation or parole offices are also good referral sources.

Can Second Chance Act programs help me get a professional license if I have a conviction?

Some SCA-funded programs include occupational licensing assistance, which may involve legal help navigating state licensing board restrictions tied to conviction history. Several states have passed laws limiting how licensing boards can use conviction records. A reentry program or legal aid organization in your area may help you understand your rights and options.

About the Author

Written by the Hardship Authority editorial team.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or benefits advice. Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency. Verify information with official sources including Benefits.gov, USDA, HUD, and your state program office.

Second Chance Actreentry programsjob trainingcriminal record employmentWIOAAmerican Job Centersformerly incarceratedworkforce developmentreentry educationjustice-involved individuals

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