Second Chance Skills Institute

Second Chance Skills Institute is ROTH’s 16-week prerelease program for people in Florida Department of Corrections facilities. Participants start planning for work, housing, and the first weeks back in their communities before they leave custody.

How the program works

  • Assess immediate needs and create an individual reentry plan.

  • Build job readiness skills and identify employment resources.

  • Explore housing options and connect with community resources.

What reentry success looks like

Where will I sleep? Who will give me a chance to work? For people coming home after incarceration, those questions can shape the first days after release.

Across our program, participants have secured housing, found employment, and in some cases achieved both. A place to come home to means somewhere to rest and begin planning for tomorrow. A job means a paycheck, a routine, and the chance to provide for yourself and the people who count on you.

Support reentry preparation or contact ROTH about a partnership.

  • Empowerment

    The institute aims to empower its students by instilling confidence and a sense of purpose. Through skill-building, students gain the self-assurance needed to pursue meaningful careers and contribute positively to their communities.

  • Comprehensive Curriculum

    The institute offers a wide range of programs, including construction, freight dispatching, soft skills development, and forklift certification. This comprehensive curriculum ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that equips them for meaningful employment.

  • Rehabilitation and Reintegration

    Beyond just skill training, the institute places a strong emphasis on rehabilitation and reintegration into society. It provides counseling and support services to help students address personal challenges and make positive life changes.

  • Employability resources

    Before release, we help program participants prepare for the world of work and connect them to employability resources. Résumé preparation, interview practice, and career planning help them take practical next steps in their communities.

  • Supportive Environment

    The institute fosters a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students can connect with peers who share similar experiences. This sense of community can be instrumental in the reintegration process.

  • Advocacy and Awareness

    Beyond its educational role, the Second Chance Skills Institute advocates for criminal justice reform and works to raise awareness about the potential of justice-involved individuals to contribute to society when given a second chance.