May 4, 2026
RICHMOND, VA — In recognition of National Fair Chance Month in April, Virginia Works, in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Corrections, the Virginia Consensus for Higher Education in Prison, and Resilience Education, has launched a new digital resource to support justice-involved Virginians in navigating job opportunities and accessing the essential supports needed for long-term success and high-quality careers.
The newly released launch pad, VirginiaHasJobs.com/FairChance, is designed to help justice-impacted Virginians explore careers that fit their strengths, connect them with employers, and guide them toward training, education, and other resources that can open new doors and sustain their employment. The site highlights Fair Chance employers in high-demand industries across Virginia, the skills required to enter those industries, and practical guidance for advancing from an initial job post-release into a long-term career. It also offers a directory of Fair Chance Registered Apprenticeship Programs and other training resources that create supportive, attainable pathways into the workforce.
At the core of the new site is a career-mapping tool that enables individuals to identify viable starting points for employment and envisions the path forward over time, showing how those jobs can translate into long-term career development.
The site also connects users with holistic support services, including community-based resources that address housing, transportation, behavioral health, and other essential needs that impact a person’s ability to thrive in the workplace.
The launch follows the success of “Open Doors to Opportunity,” a first-of-its-kind, multiagency virtual hiring event held on April 29, 2026, by Virginia Works and the Virginia Department of Corrections. The event brought together justice-involved Virginians at every stage of their reentry and career journeys, employers committed to fair chance hiring, and statewide partners dedicated to strengthening reentry pathways. The virtual hiring event welcomed over 100 justice-involved Virginians post-release, as well as 661 Virginians currently residing in 33 correctional facilities across the Commonwealth within 90 days of their release date. These jobseekers met employers who see the value of their talent; with over 400 available positions, this hiring event created opportunities for employment for incarcerated jobseekers upon their upcoming release, as well as for other justice impacted Virginians.
“Every Virginian deserves the opportunity to build a career, support their family, and contribute to their community. Fair Chance Month reminds us that when we remove barriers and open doors, we not only transform individual lives, but we strengthen our entire workforce,” said Virginia Secretary of Labor Jessica Looman. “This new resource shows the Commonwealth’s commitment to expanding opportunity, improving public safety, and ensuring that all Virginians can fully participate in our economy.”
“Second chance hiring unlocks a skilled, often overlooked talent pool while helping employers meet critical staffing needs,” said Scott Richeson, Deputy Director for Programs, Education, and Reentry at the Virginia Department of Corrections. “It boosts retention, supports successful reentry, and increases public safety, creating stronger businesses and more resilient communities. The Virginia Department of Corrections is a proud second chance employer. In partnership with Virginia Works, we support meaningful employment pathways for all Virginians-advancing public safety through second chances.”
“Fair Chance employment is an investment in people, communities, and Virginia’s economic future,” said Nicole Overley, Virginia Works Commissioner. “By expanding access to training, Registered Apprenticeships, and supportive services, we’re helping returning Virginians connect their talent to opportunity and giving employers access to a committed, skilled workforce. This new platform and this hiring event reflect Virginia Works’ ongoing commitment to strengthening our labor market through inclusion, innovation, and collaboration.”
The launch of Virginia Works Fair Chance website and the success of the Open Doors to Opportunity event represent Virginia’s commitment to modernize how the Commonwealth supports citizens, employers, and regional workforce partners. Together, these initiatives advance the Commonwealth’s commitment to equitable workforce access while strengthening the economic and social vitality of communities across Virginia. The Fair Chance site can be found at VirginiaHasJobs.com/FairChance.
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PDF of Press Release 