Reentry Employment Opportunities

Objective

The Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) program encompasses two distinct grant categories: adult reentry grants and youth/young adult-focused grants. Adult reentry grants are designed to enhance workforce reintegration for individuals returning from incarceration by increasing employment opportunities, improving job retention, and raising earnings, while simultaneously reducing recidivism rates. Youth-focused grants address the needs of young individuals involved in or at risk of involvement in crime and violence. The objectives include preventing school dropout among in-school youth, improving literacy and numeracy skills, increasing employment rates for out-of-school youth, and mitigating both criminal activity and recidivism among youth populations. Collectively, the REO program seeks to facilitate successful community reintegration for justice-involved individuals through the development of evidence-based strategies and collaborative partnerships that promote sustainable workforce outcomes.

Who Can Apply

• U.S. State Government (including the District of Columbia)
• Federally Recognized Indian/Native American/Alaska Native Tribal Government
• Nonprofit Organization
• Not-for-Profit Organization

Eligible youth, young adult and adult applicants for Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) grants vary depending on the solicitation. Applicants are generally located in or have a staff presence in the community being served. Examples of possible eligible applicants include community-based organizations, school districts, state and local government juvenile justice agencies, tribal entities, and entities carrying out activities under WIOA, such as local Workforce Investment Boards or American Job Centers.

Who Benefits

• Juvenile Delinquent
• Youth (16-21)
• Women
• Major Metropolis (over 250,000)
• Other Urban
• Suburban
• Rural
• State
• Nonprofit Organization

Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) Adult grants serve individuals, 18 years old and older, who have been convicted as an adult and have been imprisoned for violating a state or federal law, and who have never been convicted of a sex-related offense. Depending on the solicitation, enrollment may be limited based on whether the presenting offense was violent or whether the individual has previously committed a violent crime. Eligible applicants for youth focused grants vary depending on the solicitation.

Assistance Types

• Grant

Program Contact

bizzell.andrea.l@dol.gov
(202) 693-3931