Vocational and Life Skills Evaluation

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 eight 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 Six | July 2025 - June 2027

Programs Funded

• Associated Builders and Contractors
• Center for People - Opening Doors
• Different Approach
• Mental Health Association
• O.NE Mentoring Academy
• Metropolitan Community College
• ReConnect Inc.
• RISE
• The Work Lab
• Western Alternative Corrections - Bristol Station
• Ybor

Grant Cycle 6 Quarterly Reports

Quarter 1 July -September 2025

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 - Bristol Station
• York University

Grant Cycle 5 Quarterly Reports

Special Topic Reports

Employer Perspectives in Hiring and Working with Justice-Involved Individuals

Ready & Resilient: Qualitative Findings from Life Story Interviews with VLS Participants

VLS Client Perceptions of Program Services and Ability to Reintegrate: A Qualitative Analysis