To expand in-reach services in the bureau of prison's (BOP) federal correctional institution (FCI) milan, michigan, facility and four residential reentry center (RRC) locations

The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration awarded an $11,482,900 cooperative agreement to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity under the Reentry Employment Opportunities federal grant program (CFDA 17.270). The award will support expansion of in-reach services at the Federal Correctional Institution in Milan, Michigan and four associated residential reentry centers through March 2026.

Key deliverables include establishing a statewide network to support individuals returning from incarceration, assessing current employment and training programs, and preparing and implementing a holistic program with best practices for virtual/augmented training. The sub-recipient Hillsdale County Intermediate School District will partner to deliver these services aimed at lowering recidivism and increasing employment opportunities for returning citizens in the criminal justice system.

Activities performed establishment of a statewide network of support for returning citizens; assessment of current employment, training, pre-apprenticeship readiness, and apprenticeship programs; preparation and implementation of a holistic program including best practices for materials and delivery; evaluation of supportive services needs and development of programs to reduce barriers to employment; outreach and inclusion of regional employers ready to hire participants of the programs; evaluation of virtual, streaming and augmented reality training programs. Deliverables lower recidivism rate; increased number of soft-skills training programs; inclusion of a pre-apprenticeship readiness certificate; increased number of participants engaged in regional training and employment opportunities; increased employer participation in hiring of program participants. Intended beneficiary returning citizens from the bureau of prison's (BOP) federal correctional institution (FCI) milan, michigan, facility and four residential reentry center (RRC) locations. Subrecipient activities work in partnership with LEO-e & t, other subgrantees, as well as the education and economic development system, trade unions, and community organizations to deliver a statewide measurable return on investment for the end customers - both employers and learners.