Prowd 2025

The Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration awarded a $3.163 million cooperative agreement to the North Carolina Department of Commerce Workforce Solutions Division on October 1, 2025, under the Reentry Employment Opportunities program (CFDA 17.270). The award funds employment and reintegration services for justice-involved populations, including workforce preparation, job placement, retention support, and earnings improvement for adults returning from incarceration, and prevention, education, and employment services for youth involved in or at risk of involvement in crime and violence.

Performance extends through September 30, 2029, in North Carolina. The North Carolina Department of Commerce administers the award and passes funding to sub-recipients delivering direct services. Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments (sub-award awarded May 18, 2026) and Wake County North Carolina, operating as Capital Area Workforce Development Board (sub-award awarded May 15, 2026), serve as sub-grantees. The program seeks to reduce recidivism, increase employment rates, improve job retention and earnings, prevent school dropout among in-school youth, and strengthen literacy and numeracy skills through evidence-based strategies and collaborative partnerships.