Real Jobs. Real Dignity. Real Life.
Inside the walls Education and organizing where people are right now.
Through reentry Real apprenticeships, not minimum-wage second chances.
Into power Jobs, votes, and leaders who reshape policy.
Bridging the workforce gap
Engage36 connects people to education and opportunity through organized labor — building the kind of community that changes people, changes families, changes neighborhoods, and ultimately changes public policy.
When justice-impacted people have access to real training, real jobs, and real support, they become leaders capable of shaping change at the local, state, and federal levels.
We build trust where it’s been broken by meeting people exactly where they are — inside prison walls, throughout reentry, and as they rebuild their lives. Our work creates pathways to stability, dignity, and economic power by linking individuals directly with unions, apprenticeships, and life-changing careers.
Real opportunities, real impact
A historic skilled-labor shortage is colliding with a sidelined workforce. Engage36 exists to close that gap — and to turn jobs into civic power.
A historic skilled labor shortage is colliding with a sidelined workforce: 70 million justice-impacted Americans who face systemic barriers to employment and power. This critical gap leaves unions unable to fill demand and millions trapped in unstable, low-wage work.
See the case →Engage36 meets people physically, mentally, and emotionally. We offer inside-prison education, post-release education and engagement, and multiple outreach events and channels. With the right support, justice-impacted people become loyal employees and powerful civic leaders.
Meet the team →Justice-impacted people are our neighbors and family members who want dignity and a fair chance to move forward. Engage36 connects them to meaningful work, civic education, and lasting power — proving that building justice is the same as building prosperity and belonging.
Work with us →Knowledge is power
In every state, the justice-impacted population is at least double — and often five times — the number of union members. Engage36 turns these numbers into outcomes: filled jobs, greater civic engagement, and political wins for working people.
When someone sees a future for themselves, they fight for it — and for the people they love.
Breaking barriers, building futures
Engage36 exists to fight for every person pursuing their own pursuit of happiness. We are a launchpad for long-term stability, civic power, and dignity.
We meet justice-impacted people exactly where they are — inside prison walls, navigating reentry, or taking their first steps back into the world — and connect them to real opportunity through job pathways, training, life skills, mentorship, and civic education. We open doors that have been shut for far too long.
Most people leaving incarceration face rejection, confusion, and isolation. Many don’t know their rights, where to turn, or how to move through systems that were never built for them. Engage36 helps people find clarity, confidence, and a community that believes in their future.
We make that future reachable. Because when justice-impacted people gain real tools and real opportunity, they don’t just get a job — they change their lives, their families, and their communities.
How you can help
Justice-impacted people don’t lack drive — they lack opportunity. Even when fully qualified, they’re 50% less likely to get a callback. For Black applicants, the odds are even worse. That’s not just injustice — it’s a massive missed opportunity for our economy.
Nearly 75% of Americans support second chances and fair hiring. The public is ready. Businesses need to lead.
Engage36 is partnering with construction and skilled trades — and expanding into healthcare, logistics, tech, green energy, and more. We’re building a movement. Join us.
