At the Coleridge Initiative, we believe in harnessing data to provide all individuals and communities with high-quality educational and employment opportunities. That’s why we are excited to partner with Jobs for the Future (JFF) to support their visionary Fair Chance to Advance initiative—made possible through a $19.5 million investment from Ascendium Education Group. The Fair Chance to Advance initiative promotes economic mobility for individuals with criminal records by working across key sectors to eliminate systemic barriers. 

Investing in State-Led Solutions

JFF will fund four states as the first cohort of the Fair Chance to Advance State Action Networks. Each state will receive:

• Up to $2.1 million to expand access to postsecondary education and training programs in prisons and equip program participants with the credentials, employer networks, and support services they need to thrive professionally

• Membership in a national peer learning network to expedite ongoing systems change

• Over $1.8 million in technical assistance to develop data systems that monitor education and employment outcomes to foster transparency and lasting change, which we will provide in partnership with JFF

We know that data is most powerful when it is integrated, shared, and used collaboratively. We look forward to supporting the first cohort of states with our applied data analytics training, secure data environments, and expertise in interagency collaboration as they work to serve justice-impacted learners and workers.

How to Apply to Join the First Cohort

Prospective applicants may submit a nonbinding letter of intent by August 26, 2025, to be considered for the first cohort of Fair Chance to Advance State Action Networks. Final proposals are due by October 14, 2025. For more information on the proposal process, visit the FC2A webpage.