Second Chance Month reentry programs — recognized every April by cities including Philadelphia and supported at the federal level — connect people with criminal records to workforce training, job placement, and financial assistance that may help them rebuild stable employment. Philadelphia's 2026 recognition joins a national push to reduce recidivism through economic opportunity, spotlighting programs already funded and operating in communities across the country. If you or someone you know is navigating reentry after incarceration, here is a practical breakdown of what programs may be available, who they serve, and exactly how to access them.

What Is Second Chance Month and Why Does It Matter for Job Seekers?

Second Chance Month was established by federal proclamation to raise awareness about the barriers people with conviction records face when trying to find work, housing, and stability. Philadelphia's city government joins dozens of municipalities in using April to actively promote reentry resources — from expungement clinics to employer pledge campaigns.

For job seekers, the practical takeaway is this: Second Chance Month is a good time to connect with local American Job Centers, reentry coalitions, and workforce boards that may have increased outreach capacity and dedicated staff available during this period.

WIOA: The Primary Federal Funding Stream for Reentry Job Training

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is the main federal law governing publicly funded job training in the United States. Administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, WIOA explicitly designates justice-involved individuals — people who are currently or formerly incarcerated — as a priority population for services.

What WIOA May Cover

WIOA-funded services are delivered through the American Job Center (AJC) network and may include:

  • Career assessment and counseling — free to all job seekers
  • Individual Training Accounts (ITAs) — vouchers that may cover tuition for approved training programs such as CDL certification, healthcare credentials, construction trades, IT certifications, and more
  • Supportive services — transportation assistance, childcare help, and work-related supplies for eligible participants
  • On-the-Job Training (OJT) contracts — where an employer is reimbursed for a portion of wages while training a new hire
  • Transitional Jobs — subsidized, time-limited employment placements specifically designed for people with significant barriers

Eligibility for WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker programs is generally open to adults 18 and older who are authorized to work in the U.S. Income thresholds and priority criteria vary by local workforce board, but justice-involved status is a recognized barrier that may increase your priority for services.

How to Access WIOA Services

  1. Find your nearest American Job Center at careeronestop.org or by calling 1-877-872-5627.
  2. Schedule an intake appointment — bring a government-issued ID, Social Security card, and any documentation of your employment history or training goals.
  3. Complete an eligibility determination with a career counselor, who will assess which WIOA funding streams you may access.
  4. Develop an Individual Employment Plan (IEP) outlining your training and employment goals.
  5. Select an approved training provider from your state's eligible training provider list if an ITA is offered.

Philadelphia-Specific Reentry Resources

Philadelphia's reentry ecosystem includes several programs operating alongside WIOA:

  • Philadelphia Works — the city's workforce development board, which administers WIOA funds locally and operates career centers throughout the city.
  • Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) Program — a U.S. Department of Labor-funded initiative that provides subsidized employment and wraparound services specifically for people recently released from incarceration. Philadelphia has been a recipient city for REO grants.
  • City of Philadelphia Office of Reintegration Services (RISE) — connects returning citizens to housing, benefits, and employment navigation.
  • Pennsylvania CareerLink — the state's AJC network, with locations across Philadelphia and surrounding counties.

Even if you are not in Philadelphia, your city or county likely has a similar local workforce board and reentry-focused programs. The structure is federally funded but locally administered.

Employer Incentives That May Open More Doors

Two federal programs reduce employer risk when hiring people with records — and knowing about them can help you make the case to a hesitant employer:

Federal Bonding Program The U.S. Department of Labor's Federal Bonding Program provides free fidelity bonds — essentially insurance policies — to employers who hire people with barriers to employment, including those with criminal records. Bonds typically cover the first six months of employment at no cost to the employer or the job seeker. Your AJC career counselor can issue these bonds directly.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit available to employers who hire workers from targeted groups, including people who have been convicted of a felony and hired within one year of conviction or release. The credit can be worth up to $2,400 per qualifying hire. Employers apply through their state workforce agency — but knowing this exists gives you a talking point when approaching employers who may be on the fence.

What If Employment Isn't Currently Possible: SSI and SSDI

For people whose incarceration history is compounded by a physical or mental health disability, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may be options worth exploring. SSI is needs-based and available to people with limited income and resources who have a qualifying disability; SSDI is based on prior work history and Social Security contributions.

Important note: people who are currently incarcerated generally cannot receive SSI or SSDI payments, but you may be able to apply or reinstate benefits before or shortly after release. Benefit amounts vary by household size and income, and eligibility is determined by the Social Security Administration on a case-by-case basis.

What to Do If You Are Denied Services

If an AJC or WIOA program denies you services, you have rights:

  • Request a written denial notice explaining the reason.
  • File a grievance with your local workforce board — WIOA requires a formal grievance process.
  • Contact your state workforce agency if the local board does not resolve your complaint.
  • Reach out to legal aid in your area if you believe the denial was discriminatory.

Denials are not always final. Circumstances change, funding cycles reset, and a different AJC location may have different capacity.

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

Last reviewed: May 2026