Next Chapter

Who else is at #AfroTech this week?! ???????? Next Chapter's Chrisfino Kenyatta Leal and Antonio O. are at AfroTech, connecting with leaders interested in fair chance hiring. If you're here and ready to discuss inclusive hiring opportunities for justice-involved people, reach out on LinkedIn to meet up. Let’s drive meaningful change. ?? Next Chapter trains and supports formerly incarcerated individuals to become software engineers, while collaborating with hiring partners to advance fair chance hiring and secure apprenticeships and career opportunities. #FairChanceHiring #NextChapter #JusticeTech

Dear Business Community, How is it that we can rally behind a president with 34 felony convictions, yet refuse to hire someone from our own communities with a similar record? This double standard lays bare an uncomfortable truth: our society offers forgiveness to the privileged while withholding it from those who truly need a second chance. This glaring double standard isn’t just about bias—it's a reflection of who our systems are designed to protect and who they are designed to leave behind. It's as if the capacity for redemption depends not on one's willingness to change, but on their background, wealth, or connections. When we see prominent figures escape the consequences of their actions, it sends a clear message: forgiveness is for the powerful, not for those struggling to make ends meet. The same individuals who have the power to impact hiring practices choose leniency for a person at the pinnacle of privilege, while routinely denying opportunities to those at the margins—people who are striving to overcome past mistakes and genuinely want a chance to contribute positively to society. How does this make sense? Why do we hold ordinary people to a standard that we readily bend for those in positions of power? The hypocrisy in our approach to second chances has real consequences. It means that millions of people—people who could be productive, engaged members of their communities—are instead left behind, excluded from opportunities that could allow them to rebuild their lives. This is not just a matter of individual well-being; it's a matter of community health. When we deny second chances to those who have served their time, we aren't just punishing them—we're punishing their families, their neighborhoods, and ultimately, our society as a whole. Redemption and opportunity should not be luxuries afforded only to the well-connected. If we believe in the value of second chances—if we celebrate the idea of rehabilitation—then that belief must extend to everyone, not just a select few. This glaring disparity opens the door for a real conversation about change, a conversation that demands we rethink our priorities and our biases. To business leaders, lawmakers, and community members: Are we truly committed to fairness? If so, it's time to extend the same second chances we give to those in power to everyone. We must look beyond records and see the potential in every person. Fairness means nothing if it isn’t for all. Fair chance hiring means seeing the humanity in everyone, not just the privileged. It’s about creating pathways to employment, offering dignity through work, and recognizing that people are more than their mistakes. If we value second chances, we must extend them to all. Respectfully, Kenyatta Leal

?? The Interest Form Deadline is Approaching! ?? We’re excited to support formerly incarcerated individuals as they transition into rewarding careers in tech. With Next Chapter, you’ll receive: ?? A fully sponsored Software Engineering Bootcamp ?? Ongoing mentorship ?? A $700/week stipend ?? Apprenticeship opportunities with top tech companies HOW TO APPLY 1. Watch our Info Session Recording (required). [ https://lnkd.in/gB2UpBXx ] 2. Submit the Interest Form by November 7th to receive your application link. [ https://lnkd.in/gezR3ZVT ] Take this opportunity to unlock your potential in tech! Don't miss out! #NextChapter #FairChanceHiring #TechCareers #IncarcerationToTech #OpportunitiesInTech

?? Friendly Reminder! The first of our Next Chapter info sessions is just a week away on October 3rd, with another session on October 4th, both from 1-2 PM PT! ?? What is Next Chapter? We support formerly incarcerated individuals in transitioning into tech careers by offering a FREE sponsored Software Engineering bootcamp, mentorship, a $700/week stipend, and apprenticeship opportunities. If you’re considering applying or know someone who might be a great fit for our next cohort, make sure to join us. Attending an info session (or catching the recording) is required to apply and will give you all the details you need about the program and the application process. ?? RSVP for your preferred session: [Option 1] October 3rd, 1-2 PM PT ( https://lnkd.in/gJEMjb3V ) [Option 2] October 4th, 1-2 PM PT ( https://lnkd.in/gr_XUd9i ) ?? Help us spread the word! Share this post to help others discover this opportunity. Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), Persevere, Homeboy Industries, Emergent Works, LaunchCode, Mount Tamalpais College, Unloop, Televerde, CROP Organization, The Last Mile, Victory Code, Underdog Devs, Firme Coding, Banyan Labs LLC, Responsible Business Initiative for Justice, Second Chance Business Coalition

?? Next Chapter helps formerly incarcerated individuals transition into coding tech careers through a free, immersive Software Engineering bootcamp, mentorship and coaching, $700/week stipend, and apprenticeship opportunities. ?? Join our Next Chapter info sessions on October 3rd or 4th, from 1-2 PM PT! Whether you’re interested in applying or referring candidates for our next cohort, this is for you. Attending an Info session (or watching a recording) is required to apply and will cover everything you need to know about our program and application process. ?? RSVP for one of the sessions below:? [Option 1] October 3rd at 1-2 PM PT (https://lnkd.in/gJEMjb3V) [Option 2] October 4th at 1-2 PM PT (https://lnkd.in/gr_XUd9i) ?? Please repost to help others discover this opportunity ??

Excited to share Causeartist's latest interview with Lawrence Williams III, Partner at @the-decarceration-fund, where he discusses the critical role of fair chance hiring in reducing recidivism. At Next Chapter, we’re proud to be part of this movement, providing justice-involved individuals with pathways to meaningful careers in tech. Check out the full article to learn how we can all contribute to these efforts: [link]?https://lnkd.in/gyQACQtt #NextChapterProject #DecarcerationFund #SecondChances #TechCareers #JusticeReform

?? Supporting Second Chances in Kentucky! ?? We're inspired by The Advocate-Messenger's article on second chance employment. Programs like the Fair Chance Academy are making a real difference, with impactful stories from More Than a Bakery and Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park. At Next Chapter, we share the same commitment to providing opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals. Together, we can build brighter futures and stronger communities. Read more about these amazing initiatives here ?? https://lnkd.in/dKKYJ8fP #FairChance #FairChanceEmployment #CommunitySupport #Reentry #Rehabilitation #Reintegration

Breaking: New “Reentry Planner” app is a first-of-its-kind software that enables every incarcerated individual to come home with a high-quality and up-to-date reentry plan. Designed to meet all security requirements, the application can be made available inside jails and prisons through any third-party tablet provider. The end user is able to search for jobs and critical support services to build their plan, and when they come home, they can retrieve the plan for free at www.honestjobs.com. https://lnkd.in/gHb2fvWW #honestjobs #reentry #jail #prison #corrections #fairchance #secondchance

?? Today, we're celebrating the graduation of our Perryville AZ women's cohort! These incredible women have worked hard to achieve this milestone. Drop your words of advice and encouragement in the comments to support their journey ahead. #Graduation #Empowerment #Persevere #PerryvilleAZ

?? Celebrating a Major Victory for Second Chances! ?? Next Chapter is proud to congratulate our friends at the North Carolina Justice Center on their incredible achievement in saving the NC Second Chance Act! ?? Their coordinated efforts and relentless advocacy led to the successful passage of Senate Bill 565 (SB 565), which ensures the continuation of automated expunctions for dismissed and not guilty charges. This monumental victory, signed into law by Governor Cooper on July 8, 2024, will benefit countless individuals seeking to move forward with their lives by removing barriers to employment, housing, and education. We are inspired by the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in this campaign. The restoration of automated expunctions is a crucial step toward a fairer and more just legal system. Join us in celebrating this win and thanking the legislators and Governor Cooper for their support. Let's continue to strive for justice and equality together! ?? https://lnkd.in/e5rM_B8S #CriminalJusticeReform #FairChance #Advocacy #CommunityVictory #Restoration