Reentry Employment Opportunities
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
The Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) program encompasses two distinct grant categories: adult reentry grants and youth/young adult-focused grants. Adult reentry grants are designed to enhance workforce reintegration for individuals returning from incarceration by increasing employment opportunities, improving job retention, and raising earnings, while simultaneously reducing recidivism rates. Youth-focused grants address the needs of young individuals involved in or at risk of involvement in crime and violence. The objectives include preventing school dropout among in-school youth, improving literacy and numeracy skills, increasing employment rates for out-of-school youth, and mitigating both criminal activity and recidivism among youth populations. Collectively, the REO program seeks to facilitate successful community reintegration for justice-involved individuals through the development of evidence-based strategies and collaborative partnerships that promote sustainable workforce outcomes.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. State Government
- Federally Recognized Tribal Government
- Nonprofit Organization
- Not-for-Profit Organization
Eligible youth, young adult and adult applicants for Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) grants vary depending on the solicitation. Applicants are generally located in or have a staff presence in the community being served. Examples of possible eligible applicants include community-based organizations, school districts, state and local government juvenile justice agencies, tribal entities, and entities carrying out activities under WIOA, such as local Workforce Investment Boards or American Job Centers.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
Procedures for each project are specified in the applicable request for proposals. The general procedure is as follows: A technical review panel composed of staff from ETA program offices as well as peer reviewers evaluate submitted and eligible applications. The panel prepares a report for the ETA Grant Officer identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the application and the cumulative rating. Once recommendations are made by the Grant Officer and approved by the Secretary of Labor an Award Notification is sent through the appropriate congressional channels for notification. After awardees are notified, the list of awardees is posted on the ETA Web site at www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/grants. If an application is rejected, a letter is sent to the applicant as notification that they were not selected as a recipient of the grant.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 60 to 90 days
- Renewal interval: > 180 Days
- Appeal: From 60 to 90 days
ETA has instituted procedures for assessing the technical merit of applications to provide for an objective review of applications and to assist you in understanding the standards against which your application will be judged. The evaluation criteria are based on the information required in the application. Reviewers will award points based on the evaluation criteria described below.
Program details & compliance
Description
This program includes both reentry grants that focus on serving adults who are incarcerated or formerly incarcerated, and youth/young adults who are involved or at risk of involvement in crime and violence.
Mission Categories
Primary: Labor Market Activity
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Services under the adult reentry grants include assistance in finding employment, mentoring, job training, work-based learning remedial education, and other comprehensive transitional services. Services under the youth focused grants include a wide array of education, employment, mentoring, case management, violence and crime reduction and diversion.
Restrictions
Construction costs are not allowed and this line must be left as zero. Minor alterations to adjust an existing space for grant activities (such as a classroom alteration) may be allowable. We do not consider this as construction and you must show the costs on other appropriate lines such as Contractual.
Required Documentation
Non-governmental entities are typically required to provide documentary evidence of sufficient financial controls. Grantees must demonstrate their organizational capacity to implement a Reentry Employment Opportunities program, including a detailed description of the occupational skills credentials participants will attain through the program. Furthermore, grantees must present evidence of their ability to monitor and report the required performance outcomes.
2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements