In a concerted effort to pave the way for individuals with a history of incarceration, North Carolina has now joined forces with the Jobs for the Future’s (JFF) Fair Chance to Advance (FC2A) State Action Networks initiative. This collaboration between North Carolina and JFF is built on a common aim: to open up avenues for high-quality education and career opportunities for justice-impacted persons, offering them a shot at reintegration and success post-release.
North Carolina will benefit from up to $2.1 million in funding through this program, which incorporates $1.8 million in technical support from JFF and the Coleridge Initiative, which helps governmental entities harness data for informed decision-making. The state is earmarked to receive this aid over the next four years, and despite the apparent progressiveness, it's noteworthy that the selection process was competitive: North Carolina was picked from a pool of more than 30 applicants. The inclusion in the initiative was based, in part, as a recognition of the state’s existing initiatives to promote economic mobility for individuals with criminal records, and a robust contour for how this opportunity could ignite long-lasting state-wide transformation.
According to statements obtained by the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, Governor Josh Stein voiced his support, stating, "When North Carolinians leaving incarceration have access to education and job training, they are far more likely to succeed and give back to their communities rather than return to crime." Governor Stein underscored the dual benefits of this initiative, which not only helps former inmates but also contributes to safer, stronger communities. Leslie Cooley Dismukes, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, also expressed gratitude for being selected and acknowledged the significance of reentry to public safety.
The end goal is to form a coordinated, statewide strategy that guarantees access to top-tier education and career pathways for justice-impacted individuals throughout their incarceration and following their release. The FC2A initiative is determined to enhance North Carolina's capacity to sustain currently and formerly incarcerated learners, aligning education, workforce, and reentry systems. Collaborating closely with an advisory board made up of individuals directly impacted by the justice system, the initiative promises to include the perspectives and experiences of those it aims to assist with co-designers contributing to the development of the programs. An application to join North Carolina’s five-person directly impacted advisory board is available until January 25.
With a formal evaluation to be undertaken by Mathematica, the project intends to document successful strategies and share findings in the broader rehabilitation and workforce arenas.
