Johnson College Launches Training Program for Incarcerated Individuals

Johnson College has initiated a new training program aimed at assisting individuals preparing for reentry into the workforce following incarceration. This initiative addresses a significant barrier faced by many formerly incarcerated individuals: securing stable employment. Often, these individuals lack the necessary skills or training required to successfully reintegrate into the job market.

The program, launched in May 2023, has already trained 50 men and women in Northeast Pennsylvania. Through this online initiative, participants complete approximately 10-15 hours of training over several weeks, with real-time instruction that allows for interaction and engagement with instructors. Evening courses are specifically designed to accommodate the daytime obligations of inmates.

Kellyn Williams, the associate vice president of special programs at Johnson College, emphasized that the program is structured with the understanding that inmates may have limited time in their current facilities. Courses offered include OSHA 10 and Customer Service Basics, with plans to expand the curriculum to include Basic Electrical and Pre-CDL training courses.

Expanded Reach and Future Plans

The college’s training is currently delivered remotely to several institutions, including the Wayne County and Pike County prisons, as well as the United States Penitentiary at Canaan. Johnson College aims to extend the program to the Luzerne County Correctional Facility and Lackawanna County Prison, potentially offering in-person training through mobile units in the future.

The program’s initial funding came from the Sordoni Family Foundation, which provided a $10,000 grant for its pilot phase in 2020. Currently, it receives support from the Mellon Foundation through a partnership with Villanova University, as part of the Expanding Access to Higher Education in Pennsylvania State Prisons project. Additionally, collaboration with Goodwill Industries enhances the program by identifying interested participants and providing post-training career preparation and job placement support.

Funding for this phase of the program is secured through December 31, 2023, with ongoing efforts to sustain and expand the initiative in the future. This training program represents a significant step towards improving job prospects for individuals transitioning back into society, ultimately contributing to their successful reintegration.