Synopsis

This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for BJA FY 2026 Second Chance Act (SCA) Improving Reentry Education and Employment Outcomes. This opportunity supports state, local, and tribal governments and community-based organizations to provide education and employment programs for adults and youth leaving prison and jail. The goal of the program is to improve academic and vocational/trade programs available to adults and youth in prisons and jails and expand workforce development and career pathways that result in improved job readiness, employment attainment, and retention, thereby improving employment prospects and reducing recidivism. Applicants may consider proposing projects that develop marketable skills, leverage technology, and build capacity to align with their local job market and engage in the digital economy.
Response Date	Sep 24, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT
Posting Date	Aug 17, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT
Archive Date
Award Ceiling	1,000,000
Award Floor	N/a
Cost Sharing	No

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

State governments, Private institutions of higher education, Small businesses, Independent school districts, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Special district governments, Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, County governments, For profit organizations other than small businesses, City or township governments

Additional Info on Eligibility:

Other Units of Local Government: For the purposes of this notice of funding opportunity, other units of local government include towns, boroughs, parishes, villages, or other general purpose political subdivisions of a state.; Faith-based Organizations: Religious organizations, faith-based nonprofits, and organizations with religious charters, names, or missions.

Additional Information

Agency Name	Bureau of Justice Assistance
Link to Additional Information:	https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/o-bja-2026-172698
Grantor Contact Information:	If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact: GrantSolutions Help Desk Phone: 202-514-9354

CFDA Program(s)

• 16.812: Second Chance Act Reentry Initiative