Vocational Programming on Racial Disparities in Reentry Employment

• In Event: Influencing Policy through Research: Investigations of Correctional Programming and Assessments

Abstract

Vocational training programs are widely embraced policy interventions to support the majority of individuals that eventually transition back to society after incarceration. These programs offer comprehensive support during the reentry process, aiming to facilitate employment opportunities for justice-involved individuals. While research has increasingly focused on identifying effective practices in this area, less attention has been given to the racial/ethnic nuances influencing subsequent employment, where disparities persist between white offenders and their non-White counterparts. In this study, we investigate the impact of vocational programming on employment and annual incomes among a reentry population in a Midwestern state. We control for demographics, criminogenic needs, and employment performance while incarcerated. Since vocational programming in this state does not explicitly aim to address these racial disparities but rather seeks to assist justice-involved individuals, findings provide implications regarding policy interventions’ ability to alleviate racial/ethnic disparities among formerly incarcerated individuals.

Authors

• Abigail Hayes, University of Nebraska Omaha

• Katelynn Towne, University of Nebraska Omaha

• Ryan Spohn, University of Nebraska Omaha