Aramark's IN2WORK Job Skills Program Turns 20: Educational Path in Correctional Facilities Has Grown to 32 States, more than 290 Programs, and more than 14,000 Graduates
Aramark Correctional Services is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its IN2WORK (I2W) program, a milestone in the journey of working with thousands of justice-impacted individuals, offering education and industry certifications for a path to success both during and post-incarceration.
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Aramark Correctional Services is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its IN2WORK (I2W) program, a milestone in the journey of working with thousands of justice-impacted individuals, offering education and industry certifications for a path to success both during and post-incarceration.
The opt-in IN2WORK program helps incarcerated people prepare for careers and re-entry into their communities by offering food and warehouse safety training—ServSafe Managers certification from the National Restaurant Association, and a Certified Specialist certificate from the National Retail Federation in Supply Chain, Inventory & Logistics, respectively—through both classroom and hands-on-training, taking a phased approach to learning.
"We are part of the lives of many justice-impacted people every day through our food and commissary operations, which provides us with a unique opportunity to affect change and offer hope of new beginnings," said Tim Barttrum, President and CEO of Aramark Correctional Services. "We always look for opportunities to make a difference, and IN2WORK does just that, and it has been a privilege to see it grow from a feature we offered to an integral part of our mission."
IN2WORK had its genesis in 1999 with a goal of providing incarcerated individuals with food safety training and experience working in a team environment. During the program's first decade, it became more formalized, gained the IN2WORK moniker, and expanded from food to retail and warehousing training. Since its launch, I2W has been implemented in 32 states, with more than 290 programs, and has graduated more than 14,000 students.
Promoting Post Release Success
The goal of I2W is to help incarcerated individuals take control of their lives by giving them the tools, experience, certifications, and confidence they need to support themselves and their families as they transition back to life in their communities. Graduates of the I2W program, as well as their family members, are eligible for Aramark scholarships to help them complete their educational goals. In the last five years, more than $170K has been awarded to graduates and their families.
"There is growing recognition that incarceration alone is not an effective solution to reducing recidivism and that there is power in education and employment for rehabilitation and helping break the cycle of incarceration," said Nicole McVaugh, Director of the IN2WORK program. "Reentry is a place where small victories can make a big difference. Whether it's implementing mentorship programs, forging partnerships with community organizations, or expanding job training initiatives, the program expansion and success of our graduates is a priority."
The Program and Student Evolution
The program has resonated with facility residents, thousands of whom have opted into I2W and using the program as a stepping-stone to their futures. Aramark Correctional Services consistently see results with those who implement the program, including increased self-worth, esteem, and morale among the residents, factors that have been proven to promote a safer environment and more positive outcomes for those who are incarcerated.
"The IN2WORK impact has reached beyond what any of us had every thought it would. The goals in the beginning were simple: provide food safety education to those incarcerated," said Belinda Peterson, IN2WORK Manager. "Additionally, we listened to the needs of our graduates that have been released, and we realized that job placement was a huge need. Aramark is a Fair Chance company because it's the right thing to do. We started this path 20 years ago and we provide so much more than a book and a certification. Our IN2WORK program gives hope—hope for a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities."
About Aramark Correctional Services
Aramark Correctional Services offers efficient, safe, and nutritious hospitality experiences to correctional staff and justice-impacted individuals by providing stellar food and commissary services that contribute to a secure environment. Whether facilitating family connections or teaching essential career skills like warehouse operations, hospitality, and management, Aramark Correctional Services empowers justice-impacted individuals to re-establish their place in society through the IN2WORK® program, providing individuals with skills necessary for successful reintegration. Connect with Correctional Services on LinkedIn to learn more.
About Aramark
Aramark (NYSE:ARMK) proudly serves the world's leading educational institutions, Fortune 500 companies, world champion sports teams, prominent healthcare providers, iconic destinations and cultural attractions, and numerous municipalities in 16 countries around the world with food and facilities management. Because of our hospitality culture, our employees strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and the planet. Learn more at www.aramark.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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Heather Dotchel, [email protected]