Center for Justice & Economic Advancement (JFF)

Jobs for the Future (JFF) Future is excited to partner with the Formerly Incarcerated College Graduates Network and the Center for Employment Opportunities on an upcoming professional development event for people with records. Opportunities Forward: A Fair Chance Employer Expo is a virtual event taking place on January 15, 2026. It will highlight resilient employer practices and create space for meaningful conversations about pathways to #qualityjobs.  This is not a job fair. This event is an opportunity for employers to showcase effective HR  policies and practices and for job seekers to ask questions about how to best prepare prior to applying, during the interview process, and when onboarding. Stay tuned to JFF, FICGN, and CEO channels for updates on employer and participant registration. 

According to this article from the Association for Talent Development, the data are clear: when employers hire people with records, outcomes improve for everyone. Employees perform as well or better than their peers, and those who maintain employment for one year post-release are far less likely to return to prison. Fair chance hiring isn’t just a workforce strategy; it’s an economic one. Unlocking opportunity for justice-impacted talent strengthens businesses, families, and communities nationwide. 🔗 Read more: https://hubs.la/Q03MThJT0

Investing in #higheredinprison is an investment in safer communities and stronger families. University of Illinois professor Rebecca Ginsburg, who directs the Education Justice Project, highlights how college-in-prison programs across the state are helping people build skills, strengthen family connections, and prepare for meaningful careers after release. As federal Pell Grant eligibility returns for incarcerated learners, Illinois has an opportunity to build a stronger, more coordinated system — one that ensures every student inside has access to quality postsecondary education. 🔗 Read the full story: https://hubs.la/Q03MTgVq0 📸 Photo from article

We have seen time and time again that fair chance hiring is good business and good for people. At SugarBot Sweet Shop & Creamery in St. Charles, Missouri, owner Jackie Huebbe is sharing her success. During her session at the International Baking Industry Exposition, “Second Chance Hiring: Expanding the Workforce and Supporting the Community,” she shared how becoming a fair chance employer transformed her business — and how it can do the same for others. 🔗 Read more: https://hubs.la/Q03MTcL70 🔗 Learn more about how to take similar steps through our Fair Chance Employer Services, providing workshops, learning journeys, and customized support to move from intention to implementation: https://hubs.la/Q03HgvbS0 📸 Photo from article

We’re looking forward to joining partners at the Brick by Brick: Virtual Reentry Conference on November 6 — a space designed to connect, learn, and build pathways that support successful reentry. Hosted by H3 Network, the event features keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities, all brought directly to participants through an interactive virtual platform. At just $5 to attend, this conference is expanding access to conversations that drive change. Register: https://lnkd.in/ggiKvJTD See you there, alongside our partners at Nucleos and H3 Network.

Dozens of people incarcerated in Maine are now holding remote jobs with outside companies, some earning full salaries. These roles pay fair-market wages, allowing people to cover restitution, legal costs, support family, and build savings. Maine’s model is pushing boundaries in how we think about work, reentry, and skills. The system is closely monitored with internet limits, laptop oversight, and eligibility rules. This is what #NormalizingOpportunity looks like in action. Listen to this story from NPR's All Things Considered to learn more. 🔗 Full story: https://hubs.la/Q03MTbG10

There’s a common misconception that college in prison is “free.” This first-person piece from the Prison Journalism Project sheds light on the real picture learners who are incarcerated face: funding hurdles (Pell grants/scholarships), limited technology and campus access, and the extra effort students inside must navigate to persist. Read the full article at: https://lnkd.in/eYNkYgHt Want to stay up-to-date on all things #PrisonEducation. Sign up to receive our Normalizing Education newsletter: https://lnkd.in/dy2f2tzn

Headlines shape how the public understands crime, safety, and opportunity. Our friend and partner, Terrell A. Blount, MPA, offers practical steps for media to adopt accurate, people-first reporting that moves beyond clickbait to produce stories that inform and humanize. Read Terrell’s piece: https://lnkd.in/ezzwbccb

Jobs for the Future (JFF) is headed to the Steel City! We're excited to bring a powerhouse crew from JFF to the National Reentry Workforce Collaborative (NRWC) conference, taking place October 22-24 in #Pittsburgh. Check out our speakers and don't miss our fearless leader, Lucretia P. Murphy, on the main stage! In addition to Lucretia, other JFFers on the ground are Khalilah "KO" Olokunola, Noah Bein, Jocelyn Liberatore, MPA, Crystal Mourlas-Jaun, and Ray Barbosa. Also headed to #NRWC2025? Connect with our experts before you leave and plan to meet up in person! We'd love to hear more about your work and share how JFF is driving impact and helping to build pathways to #qualityjobs.

We're to share that Lucretia P. Murphy, vice president of JFF’s Center for Justice & Economic Advancement, will represent Jobs for the Future (JFF) at the inaugural Ascent to 55% Convening in Jackson, Mississippi, October 15–16!   Mississippi’s push to reach 55% postsecondary attainment by 2030 is about building stronger talent pipelines and opening access to high-demand, high-wage, #qualityjobs. Lucretia will join education, business, and community leaders to influence policy solutions and identify skills pathways to help grow the state’s workforce and economy.   Heading to the Jackson Convention Complex? Meet up with Lucretia to learn how we’re partnering with states and employers to expand access to education and jobs for people with records, and discover how your organization can be part of the solution. #JFFImpact #AscentTo55