Funding will provide second-chance career opportunities for 50 Baltimore residents through vocational training and re-entry support

Baltimore, Md. – NCIA, a leader in transforming lives and building stronger communities for 49 years, announced that it has received $500,000 in federal funding to support its Career Empowerment for Second-Chance Baltimore Citizens Project. The funding, secured by Congressman Kweisi Mfume during the FY2026 appropriations process, will allow NCIA to provide workforce training, wraparound support, employment counseling, job placement, and retention services to 50 Baltimore residents returning from incarceration.

The announcement was made Monday, April 27, 2026, during Second Chance Month at NCIA’s Vocational Training Center (VTC) in Baltimore, alongside Congressman Mfume, NCIA leadership, program staff, and participants. Second Chance Month is a national effort to recognize the importance of supporting people returning from incarceration and creating pathways to employment.

“Access to meaningful employment is one of the most critical factors in successful re-entry,” said Carole Argo, CEO of NCIA. “This investment allows us to expand proven programs that connect Baltimore residents to real career opportunities, while providing the support they need to stay employed and build stable futures.”

Through the project, eligible participants will complete a 17-week training program in Automotive Maintenance, HVAC-R Installation and Service, or Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). VTC students will earn industry-recognized certifications and receive the support needed to prepare for in-demand vocational careers.

“It was not an easy road for me. I was fortunate to have a second chance, a third chance, and even a fourth,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “I see myself in these students, and I see their determination to keep going. By investing in job training and support services, we are strengthening families, reducing recidivism, and building a stronger Baltimore.”

NCIA works closely with the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the District Court Re-Entry Project to identify participants and support their transition back into the workforce.

NCIA’s VTC has helped more than 2,000 people secure employment, generating an estimated $40 million in annual wages and strengthening the region’s workforce.

To learn more about NCIA and its VTC, including training programs and enrollment opportunities, visit ncianet.org. 

About NCIA
Founded in 1977, NCIA is dedicated to empowering people with limited access to opportunities to build fulfilling lives and stronger communities through unconditional support. Driven by the belief that everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed, NCIA provides a wide range of services, including vocational training, youth special education, and comprehensive offerings for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We help people who need the deepest levels of support, including those with mental health disorders, recovering from addiction or homelessness, unemployed or underemployed, veterans, and returning citizens. Headquartered in Baltimore, NCIA has become a trusted partner and a beacon of hope for over 25,000 people throughout Maryland and beyond. By promoting independence, financial stability, equity, and compassion, NCIA is changing lives, one person at a time. For more information, visit www.ncianet.org.