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.
April is #SecondChanceMonth, and we’re bringing you a free virtual and in-person seminar on Navigating Second Chance Employment: Know Your Rights and Unlock Opportunities. Join us on April 30th to learn how to confidently discuss your record in interviews, understand your rights as a job seeker, and take action to improve your employment opportunities.
➡️ Learn more and register today: ow.ly/ZJC650YCVZc
*****
Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities/Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Programs at PA CareerLink® Lehigh Valley are funded in whole or in part by federal funds. Detailed information can be found at ow.ly/8hpa50YCVZ9. Equal Opportunity Officer: EqualOpportunity@careerlinklv.org or 610-841-8332 TTY Line 610-437-0741. More information on adaptive equipment and Equal Opportunity resources can be found at ow.ly/NAi650YCVZa. ... See MoreSee Less
Meet Cherelle Auguste!
Cherelle’s dedication and drive led her to be nominated for and ultimately selected to receive a Governor’s Achievement Award, and she’ll be recognized at the upcoming Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association Annual Conference, an incredible and well-deserved honor.
From day one, Cherelle stood out as a motivated job seeker, fully embracing every opportunity available through CareerLink. She went on to successfully complete welding training through LCTI, where her hard work paid off immediately with a job offer in hand upon graduation.
But Cherelle didn’t stop there, she continues to give back by returning to CareerLink to uplift, motivate, and encourage other job seekers on their own journeys. Her story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible with determination, support, and a commitment to growth.
Pictured is Cherelle with various CareerLink staff that worked hand in hand with her to achieve her goals. ... See MoreSee Less
PA CareerLink® Lehigh Valley had a great time at our recent Financial Wellness Workshop, facilitated by Fulton Bank! 💼💡
Participants explored practical strategies to take control of their finances, from building and maintaining a personal spending plan to identifying spending habits and discovering budgeting approaches that fit their unique goals and lifestyles.
Thank you to Fulton Bank for partnering with us and to everyone who joined us. ... See MoreSee Less