Overview

Reentry 2030 is a nationwide initiative launched in April 2022 by The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center to scale reentry success for people transitioning from incarceration to their communities. The initiative calls on leaders across the nation to commit to successful reintegration for every person who has met their legal obligation to the criminal justice system. The initiative offers guidance on policy actions, technical assistance on best practices, a national convening, and other resources and events that highlight the strategies states are undertaking to achieve their goals. 2023 activities focused on:

• Policy guidance for scaling up access to reentry supports, clearing away unnecessary barriers, and advancing racial equity.
• Roundtable discussion on envisioning human-centered reentry systems.
• Peer learning opportunities for state reentry directors.

Each state that joins the movement develops an action plan to:

1. Scale up access to stable housing, education, employment skills training, behavioral health treatment, health care, and other supports for people with criminal records.
2. Clear away unnecessary barriers to opportunities and economic mobility.
3. Advance racial equity by using data to understand and address disparities in access to services, quality of services, and outcomes.

All plans include a commitment to bring together a diverse team of stakeholders, establish public goals and milestones, and track and share progress.

Partnering States as of September 2025 include:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• California
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• New York
• North Carolina
• Washington

 Examples of Education /Work Efforts

• Expand educational services and create employment opportunities to bolster the workforce. This includes providing access to high-demand skill sets (e.g., welding, forklift operations, electrical work, tree trimming).
• Provide access to educational and employment opportunities through increasing the number of high school and post-secondary degrees by 75%.
• Provide support so that at least 90% of individuals who are released will be gainfully employed within 30 days of parole placement.
• Promote education, with a 30% increase in GED completion during incarceration, 15% increase in GED proctors, and 50% increase in college coursework enrollment.
• Nebraska launches first mobile reentry service center for the recently incarcerated.
• Alabama roundtable on occupational licenses.

Background

Programs aimed at aiding the successful reentry of individuals from incarceration into their communities typically involve multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and employers. Programs often provide support in education, employment, housing, and social services.

Educational features may include:

1. Adult Education: opportunities for individuals to earn high school diplomas or equivalents, improve literacy and numeracy skills, access basic education programs.
2. Vocational Training: offering job training programs that equip individuals with the skills and certifications needed for employment in various industries (e.g., construction, hospitality, healthcare, technology).
3. Higher Education: collaboration with colleges and universities to provide access to education opportunities, including degree programs, certificate courses, and vocational training at the postsecondary level (e.g., offering courses within correctional facilities, scholarships or financial aid for formerly incarcerated individuals, academic and counseling services).

Work-related features may include:

1. Job Placement Services: job search assistance, resume writing workshops, interview preparation, connections with employers willing to hire individuals with criminal records.
2. Transitional Employment: transitional job placements or internships that provide individuals with work experience, skills development, and pathway to permanent employment.
3. Entrepreneurship Support: resources and support for individuals interested in starting their own businesses or pursuing self-employment opportunities (e.g., training in business management, access to microloans or grants, mentorship programs).

Partners

The initiative is led by The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), the Correctional Leaders Association, and JustLeadershipUSA.

Funders

• Arnold Ventures
• Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)
• The Tow Foundation
• Gates Foundation

Resources

Reentry2030.org

PBS News Article

September 2025 Workforce Development Peer Learning Cohort Press Release