From DOL: RESTART supports the advancement of workforce readiness skills and the attainment of employment for ex-offenders across three populations: youth (ages 15-17 years old), young adults (ages 18-24 years old), and adults (ages 25 years old and above). Funds will be awarded to eligible entities to develop programs to train ex-offenders for high-need American jobs and assist them in being productive contributors to the U.S. economy. This initiative provides those with criminal records and criminal justice-system contact placement into trainings that support in-demand industries, and it provides funding for services that evidence-based research suggests increase the likelihood of successful employment outcomes. Such training and employment services include: robust assessment of prior learning and skills; pre-apprenticeships; work-based learning through On-the-Job Training and Registered Apprenticeships; artificial intelligence (AI), digital literacy, and financial literacy training; credential attainment; paid work experiences; unsubsidized employment placement; developing and deploying learning and employment records (LER) or comprehensive learner record (CLR) solutions where feasible including connecting corrections education with existing state LER and CLR efforts; credit for prior learning and acceleration solutions for rapid entry into postsecondary credentialing opportunities; and relevant skills training for high-demand sectors such as advanced manufacturing and the maritime sector.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 20
Anticipated Award Amount: $1,000,000 - $5,100,000 per award
Anticipated Period of Performance: 42 months
Deadline for Applications: 4/15/2026, 11:59 pm ETÂ