Hope 2 Hire is building a stronger community together through hands-on job training and life skills development for the prison population of Memphis.

It’s amazing what can happen when we work together to help each other

That’s the beauty of Hope 2 Hire. It’s a program that was born out of several organizations recognizing community-wide problems and contributing their services to create a solution. 

What is Hope 2 Hire?

Hope 2 Hire is a technical job-skills program within Shelby County Division of Corrections. After students within SCDC complete HopeWorks’ Personal and Career Development Program within prison, they are eligible to apply for a place in the Hope 2 Hire program. 

Hope 2 Hire equips people in SCDC with the technical skills needed to obtain work that pays a living wage. Having a stable job that pays a living wage is one of the key factors that prevents recidivism – or a person returning to prison after release. 

Simultaneously, these workers fill job gaps that exist in Memphis. The program provides life-changing work to people in need of a second chance while filling in-demand positions across the Mid-South. 

What does the program look like?

Once accepted into the program, participants receive work readiness and life skills training and choose a career path. 

The career paths offered include:

These training programs were selected based on employment demands, wages paid and friendly hiring status toward ex-offenders. Each training program lasts 13 weeks.

Simultaneously, HopeWorks and SCDC provide life skills training, including letter and resume writing skills, completing employment applications and interviewing. The life skills training includes handling problems on the job, dealing effectively with bosses and co-workers, attendance on the job and handling criticism.