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, Second Chances

Media Contact

Julia Cusick

Vice President, Communications

jcusick@americanprogress.org

Government Affairs

Peter Gordon

Director, Federal Affairs

pgordon@americanprogress.org

Jerry Parshall

Senior Director, Safety and Justice Campaign; Director, State and Local Government Affairs

jparshall@americanprogress.org

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. A full list of supporters is available here. American Progress would like to acknowledge the many generous supporters who make our work possible.