Rasheed and the Power of a Second Chance

Rasheed’s story sheds light on the barriers that so many young adults face when returning to their communities and the opportunities that second chance policies give to young adults who are looking to enter the labor market.

Advancing Racial Equity and Justice, Criminal Justice Reform, Public Safety, Second Chances +1 More

Media Contact

Gaby Blanco

Senior Constituency Media Associate

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Rafael Medina

Director, Media Relations

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Government Affairs

Peter Gordon

Senior Director, Government Affairs

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Thousands of young people, such as Rasheed, are released from prison or jail each year with the desire to build towards a better future for themselves and their families. Yet despite their willingness to work hard to achieve their goals, these individuals face numerous obstacles to a stable and self-sufficient life upon reentering society. Rasheed’s story sheds light on these barriers as well as the opportunities that second chance policies give to young adults looking to enter the labor market.

The positions of American Progress, and our policy experts, are independent, and the findings and conclusions presented are those of American Progress alone. American Progress would like to acknowledge the many generous supporters who make our work possible.

Authors

Akua Amaning

Director of Public Safety

Allie Preston

Senior Policy Analyst, Public Safety

David Ballard

Former Associate Director, Economic Policy

Marina Zhavoronkova

Former Senior Fellow

Producers

Andrew Sonntag

Former Events Video Producer

Hai-Lam Phan

Managing Director, Creative

Ala Al Sadi

Former Video Producer

Toni Pandolfo

Video Producer

Madalyn Reagan

Video Intern

Team

Public Safety

Protecting people from crime is one of the government’s most fundamental and urgent responsibilities. However, the current reality is that too many crimes go unsolved and too many victims lack justice. The Center for American Progress is committed to advancing evidence-based policies that keep individuals safe by solving crime when it happens, ensuring swift and certain accountability for those who harm others, and preventing crime in the first place.