Do I need a GED before trade training?

Some programs require it and many do not. Adult education programs often run high-school equivalency preparation and trade training in the same building, so you can do both at once. Ask the program what they require rather than assuming you are not eligible.

Who pays for short-term training?

Often the public workforce system. American Job Centers administer funded occupational training and can tell you what is on the approved list in your area. Job Corps is another route for eligible young adults, and it includes housing.

Education & Training — reentry resources

Available anywhere

Nationwide resources

These work from any ZIP code in the country. Every listing shows how it was checked and when. If something has changed, email hello@atlasredeemed.com — the report button on the card has no review queue behind it yet, and it says so when you use it.

Pre-launch directory. National resources below are real organizations with publicly published contact information. Listings marked Sample listing are demonstration records with placeholder phone numbers — they exist so the finder, map, and plan features can be tested before the verified local directory is loaded. How we verify resources

American Job Centers
U.S. Department of Labor / CareerOneStop
Verified
NationwideFreeWalk-in
Free public workforce centers in nearly every county. They run job search help, résumé assistance, and — importantly — funded training. Many have staff who work specifically with people returning from incarceration.
- Job search and placement assistance
- Funded occupational training (WIOA)
- Résumé and interview help
- Referrals to the Federal Bonding Program and WOTC-participating employers
Who it's for
- Open to the public
- Some funded training has income or eligibility criteria
Find WorkEducation & TrainingReentry ProgramsNo conviction-based restriction published
1-877-872-5627careeronestop.org
Last verified: Jul 14, 2026
Job Corps
U.S. Department of Labor
Verified
NationwideFreeOnline
Free career training and education for eligible young people aged 16–24, including housing and meals at residential centers. Admissions review criminal history individually rather than applying a blanket bar.
- Free trade and career training
- High school diploma / HSE completion
- Residential option including housing and meals
Who it's for
- Generally ages 16–24
- Income eligibility applies
- Criminal history is reviewed case by case
Education & TrainingFind WorkFind Housing
1-800-733-5627jobcorps.gov
Last verified: Jul 14, 2026

Common questions

Education & Training: questions people actually ask

General guidance, written plainly. None of this is a decision about your situation — where a rule depends on your state or your conditions, we say so and point you to the office that can answer it.

Federal student aid rules have changed in recent years. The reliable step is to complete the FAFSA and then talk to the financial aid office at the school you are applying to — they can tell you what applies to your situation and what documentation, if any, they need.

Other things you may need

Reentry rarely stays in one category. These are the other sections of the directory.

Education & Training

Nationwide resources

American Job Centers

Job Corps

What is available near you?

Education & Training: questions people actually ask

Other things you may need

Education & Training

Nationwide resources

American Job Centers

Job Corps

What is available near you?

Education & Training: questions people actually ask

Other things you may need

🎓Education & Training

Nationwide resources

American Job Centers

Job Corps

What is available near you?

Education & Training: questions people actually ask

Can I get financial aid with a conviction?

Do I need a GED before trade training?

Who pays for short-term training?

Other things you may need

🎓Education & Training

Nationwide resources

American Job Centers

Job Corps

What is available near you?

Education & Training: questions people actually ask

Can I get financial aid with a conviction?

Do I need a GED before trade training?

Who pays for short-term training?

Other things you may need

Education & Training

Education & Training