The U.S. Department of Labor offers help to young offenders who wish to move away from criminal activity and make a contribution to their communities. The Youth Offender education support program helps young offenders from the ages of fourteen to twenty-four gain access to education to develop their knowledge in basic subjects such as Math and English. Funds are given to support vocational courses that provide candidates with skills to enter specific job roles. The program aims to increase employment levels among the young and deter them from re-entering criminal activities. Money available under the Youth Offender program can also be used to support faith groups who offer guidance to the young and for apprenticeship programs.
The Second Chance Act (SCA) was created in 2008 and made hundreds of millions of dollars available to federal agencies across the United States. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is responsible for administering SCA funds to each state. Funds from the SCA program are used to help initiate and develop many vocational courses designed to assist ex-offenders find work within their communities. SCA funds are channeled through the United States Department of Labor and are also available to non-profit organizations who conduct training courses to educate underprivileged community members. SCA funds also support drug rehabilitation programs across the U.S and develop education programs in prisons, detention facilities and juvenile centers. In addition to state payments, grants can also be acquired for territorial and tribal governments who support adult education programs.
Ex-felons who want to develop their education can apply for assistance under the Pell Grant program. This financial aid program is supported by the U.S. Department of Education and helps students, including ex-felons, in need of financial aid meet basic costs. Pell Grant payments are typically used to cover expenses such as tuition fees, travel costs, rent, energy payments and grocery shopping.
Ex-felons are eligible for Pell Grant funds as long as they fall within the criteria of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The DOE offers particular guidance with regard to assisting ex-felons with their study costs. Candidates with recent convictions for drug possession are usually not eligible. However, this restriction is usually lifted following successful completion of a rehabilitative program.