Project 180 takes CEOs, hiring managers and workforce agency specialists into the prisons to teach soon-to-be-released inmates how to find, apply for, interview for and retain a position in each CEO’s industry.

In addition to the CEOs’ presentations, the two-hour class includes

• soft skills currently desired by employers
• an up-to-date Florida jobs report
• a discussion on how and when to let an employer know about one’s felony record
• in collaboration with CareerSource Suncoast, information on two incentives for hiring individuals with felony records: the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and federal bonding

Inmate comments about this program:

• “Every presentation was helpful.”
• “This program is getting me ready for my new life.”
• “This program will help me have a productive future when I’m released. I’m tired of coming to prison and want a steady job.”
• “The presenters gave me hope and respect.”
• “Very helpful. It was perfect. Keep it up.”
• “This seminar was very informative.”
• “I think this gives an ex-offender a chance to start over fresh.”
• “I very much appreciate you all coming out with this information. As you may know this is the first time I’ve ever retrieved this type of info while in prison. Thank you.”
• “More than just ‘knowledge,’ the presentations gave HOPE – something most of these men do not have. I am 75 years old [and have] been in the mental health profession for 50 years. My sentence was only 21 months and I have a substantial pension so I won’t need work…. I was delighted to be here and experience today with you ‘outsiders’ who obviously CARE. Thank you so much.”
• “I hope you can come again for the ones [other inmates] that’s behind us.”