Linking to Employment Activities Pre-Release, known as LEAP, is designed to reduce recidivism and help incarcerated participants successfully rejoin the workforce when they return home.  Workforce development programs play a crucial role in reducing recidivism by equipping individuals with the skills needed to secure stable employment upon release. Employment is a key factor in reducing the likelihood of re-offending, as it helps individuals reintegrate into society and gain a sense of purpose and self-sufficiency. 

In Lehigh County LEAP, staff has implemented SkillUp™ PA into the pre-release curriculum.  During incarceration, LEAP participants register for a PA CareerLink® account, which provides immediate access to 7,000+ courses through SkillUp™ PA.  In the LEAP Job Center/Computer Lab, participants are able to explore coursework that is relevant to their interests.  Commonly accessed content includes coursework related to careers in Information Technology, Food Service, Customer Service, Manufacturing, and Management & Leadership.  Participants are able to start coursework during incarceration and finish the content when they return to the community.  

SkillUp™ PA provides the opportunity for incarcerated individuals to more fully explore their career path.  It establishes a foundation of required skills and allows the participant to visualize what it might look like to work in a particular career.