[Bureau of Justice Assistance](https://bja.ojp.gov)

May 4, 2026 (Grants.gov) | May 8, 2026 (Current Closing Date) | May 11, 2026 (JustGrants)

Up to $900,000 per award; project period and total number of awards not specified.

Supports programs that improve education and employment outcomes for individuals reentering the community from jail or prison.

--- ## Description This grant supports state, local, and tribal governments, as well as community-based organizations, to deliver education and employment programs for individuals returning to the community after incarceration. The initiative aims to enhance academic, vocational, and workforce development programs within correctional facilities, with the goal of improving job readiness, employment attainment, and retention. Ultimately, the program seeks to reduce recidivism by expanding career pathways, developing marketable skills, leveraging technology, and aligning training with local labor market needs, including participation in the digital economy. --- ## Due Dates - May 4, 2026: Grants.gov submission deadline (11:59 pm Eastern) - May 8, 2026: Current Closing Date for Applications (Grants.gov listing) - May 11, 2026: JustGrants submission deadline (8:59 pm Eastern / BJA Closing Date) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $900,000 per project - No minimum award specified - Cost sharing or matching is **not required** - The total number of awards and project period are not specified in the available documentation --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - State governments - County governments - City or township governments - Special district governments - Independent school districts - Public and State-controlled institutions of higher education - Private institutions of higher education - Native American tribal governments (federally recognized and other tribal organizations) - Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status, except those that are institutions of higher education) - For-profit organizations (including small businesses) - Units of local government --- ## Application Process 1. **Register and apply in Grants.gov** by May 4, 2026, 11:59 pm Eastern. 2. **Complete submission in JustGrants** by May 11, 2026, 8:59 pm Eastern. 3. Review the full solicitation and requirements on the [BJA opportunity page](https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/o-bja-2025-172507). 4. No cost sharing or matching required. 5. Applications should propose evidence-based approaches to improve reentry education and employment outcomes, including strategies for workforce development, digital skills, and alignment with local job markets. --- ## Additional Information - Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that build capacity for marketable skills, leverage technology, and support engagement in the digital economy. - The program seeks to improve both education and employment outcomes as a means of reducing recidivism. --- ## External Links - [Official Grants.gov Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361671) - [BJA Program Opportunity Page](https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/o-bja-2025-172507) - [Download Full Solicitation PDF](https://www.ojp.gov/funding/docs/bja-2025-172507.pdf) - [Watch the Webinar Recording](https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/webinar/fy25-sca-programs-recording) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | More Info | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------|---------------------------------| | OJP Response Center | [OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov](mailto:OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov) | | [Contact Page](https://bja.ojp.gov/contact-us) | | General Inquiries | [AskBJA@usdoj.gov](mailto:AskBJA@usdoj.gov) | (202)-616-6500 | | ---

BJA FY25 Second Chance Act Improving Reentry Education and Employment Outcomes

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