The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP),Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) seeks applications for reentry services and programs focused on strengthening education and employment outcomes for individuals returning to their communities after a period of incarceration. This program furthers the DOJ’s mission by reducing recidivism and promoting reentry success and wellbeing in individuals returning from incarceration. 

The Second Chance Act (SCA) of 2007 (Public Law 110-199), reauthorized by the First Step Act of 2018, provides a comprehensive response to assist in the transition individuals make from prison, jail, or juvenile residential facilities to their communities so that the transition is more successful and promotes public safety. SCA's reentry-focused grant funding is designed to help communities develop and implement comprehensive and collaborative strategies that address the challenges posed by reentry and recidivism reduction. “Reentry” is not a specific program but rather an ongoing process that starts from the moment an individual is initially incarcerated and continues throughout that individual’s transition from incarceration and reintegration into the community. 

With this solicitation, BJA seeks to improve educational and employment programs that serve individuals during incarceration and throughout their period of reentry into the community. The Second Chance Act Improving Reentry Education and Employment Outcomes Program promotes an evidence-based and data-informed approach that will provide meaningful opportunities, interrupt the cycle of unemployment, improve economic mobility, and promote reentry success for formerly incarcerated adults. 

Deadline: March 28, 2023