Overview
The Vocational and Life Skills Program was created by Nebraska Legislative Bill 907 in 2014 with the goals of reducing recidivism and increasing employment for individuals who are incarcerated, who have been incarcerated within the prior 18 months or who are under parole or probation supervision. Programming is offered in all 10 Nebraska correctional facilities, as well as in communities across the state. These programs offer a wide range of services from residential facilities, mental health programming, vocational training, job readiness skills, career certifications, college courses, cognitive behavioral therapy, and more.
The VLS Evaluation
The evaluation was initiated in May 2015 with the goal of identifying types of programming and services that best serve the population by reducing recidivism and increasing employment. Support is provided to grantees through training and site visits as needed, as well as providing feedback and information to NDCS on the implementation process and data updates.
Grant Cycle Five | July 2023 - June 2025
Programs Funded
- Associated Builders and Contractors
- Black Men United - Kumani Restorative Justice Center
- Community Alliance Rehabilitation Services
- Community Justice Center
- Mental Health Association
- Metropolitan Community College
- Midland University
- Persevere
- Project Reset - Nebraska Center for Workforce Development and Education
- Opening Doors at the Center for People in Need
- ReConnect Inc.
- RISE
- Western Alternative Corrections, Inc. - Bristol Station
- York University
Grant Cycle 5 Reports
Grant Cycle Four | July 2020 to June 2023
Programs Funded
Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC)
Bristol Station
Mental Health Association (MHA)
Metropolitan Community College (MCC)
Nebraska Center for Workforce Development and Education (NCWDE)
ReConnect, INC.
RISE
TRADE
York College