The Criminal Justice and Employment Initiative at Cornell is excited to welcome you to the Second Chance Career Academy, where you will gain the tools to navigate the legal landscape and transform your past experiences into professional strengths. Through targeted strategies like record-reading and digital resume building, you will learn to shift the narrative from risk to resilience and advocate for the career you deserve. We are honored to support you as you build the confidence and network necessary to thrive in today’s job market.

 

 

How It Works

Advance your career with an unparalleled learning experience.
Flexiblity
Select topics based on your interests and goals
Time Commitment
Up to 22 hours — you decide how far you want to go
Format
100% online learning for maximum convenience

In the Second Chance Career Academy, you will have the opportunity to build the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate your job search and transform your past experiences into professional strength. Through readings, videos and activities, you can explore the complex legal landscape that protects your right to fair consideration. By learning how to read your own record and  understanding the individualized assessments employers are required to perform, you’ll be equipped to challenge unfair barriers and advocate for the fresh start you deserve.

Beyond legal rights, this academy provides practical tools necessary to succeed in a modern job market, from navigating applicant tracking systems to utilizing digital resources like the Restorative Record. You can also discover how to construct a powerful support network through community-based organizations and leverage mechanisms like Certificates of Rehabilitation to officially recognize your growth. Targeted resume strategies and interview preparation can empower you to shift the narrative from risk to resilience, helping you secure a meaningful career where you can thrive.

Note: The information provided in this Academy should not be used as a substitute for legal advice.

  • Individuals with felony or misdemeanor convictions seeking employment
  • People currently on parole, probation, or community supervision looking for work
  • Recently released individuals (within 6 months to 2 years) navigating job searches
  • Those with arrest records (even without convictions) facing employment barriers
  • Individuals completing drug court, veterans court, or other specialty court programs

How does the Second Chance Career Academy work?

The content is organized into sections (called modules). Depending on your goals, you can approach the material in either of two ways.

Choose Your Own Path: If you are looking for specific information, use the menu on the left-hand side of the screen to browse the Academy. You can pick and choose the topics most relevant to you. Simply click on a module title to access the assets and resources housed within it.

The Comprehensive Experience: For a deeper dive, you can also start at the very first page and work your way through to the end. Just click the “Start Now” button below and use the navigation buttons at the bottom of the screen to advance through the program. If you would like to receive an official Recognition of Achievement for finishing the Academy, you will need to complete all 12 of the knowledge checkpoints. These checkpoints are located at the end of each module.