Wyoming Received Grant for Reentry Job Program
The state secured $2 million in federal funding to launch an employment initiative for formerly incarcerated adults.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Jobs — General
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The U.S. Department of Labor awarded a $2 million grant to the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services. The funding will support the new RESTART program, which aims to provide vocational training and career support to formerly incarcerated individuals.
Why it matters
The initiative seeks to reduce recidivism by helping people re-enter the workforce while simultaneously addressing a projected labor shortage. Connecting justice-involved individuals with skilled roles helps fill necessary positions across the state.
The RESTART program is backed by a $2 million federal grant and will serve adults 25 and older. It offers 12 months of post-release follow-up as the state prepares for a projected need to fill 28,000 new jobs by 2034.
The players
U.S. Department of Labor
This federal agency is responsible for federal occupational safety, wage and hour standards, and unemployment insurance benefits.
Wyoming Department of Workforce Services
This state agency oversees employment programs, unemployment insurance, and labor market research for Wyoming residents.
The details
The RESTART program, or Reentry Employment in Skilled Trades, Advanced Manufacturing, Registered Apprenticeships and Training, provides help with identification documents, digital skills, and commercial driver's license permits. Local businesses hiring participants can access incentives such as the Federal Bonding Program and wage subsidies.
Timeline
January 2027: Program kickoff.
2034: Projected addition of 28,000 jobs.
Market Landscape
The state is leveraging the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to bridge the gap between labor supply and local workforce demands. This move aligns with broader efforts to integrate non-traditional labor pools into the state economy to mitigate future talent shortages.
Local businesses may see increased access to a trained workforce through wage subsidies and hiring incentives. Residents participating in the program can gain improved access to certification training and stable employment opportunities.
The takeaway
Programs that combine skill-based training with employer incentives help stabilize the labor market while offering individuals a path to steady employment. This approach highlights the importance of workforce preparation in long-term economic planning.
Further reading
Learn more about local labor initiatives on the Wyoming Jobs — General page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wyoming Public Media.
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