The Reintegration Academy

was founded in 2009. The program has hosted four cohorts: 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014. The program brings 25-30 parolees to the college campus for 10 weeks. These individuals are screened by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's Southern Region. Participants are immersed in academic, life skills, and career development modules during the 10-week period. On the first day of the program each participant receives a meal card and a gift card (to purchase business casual clothes). In the 5th week each participant receives a free laptop computer. In the 8th week, all participants are registered into Mt. SAC Community College and are assisted with completing financial aide forms. During the 9th week, the program hosts a job fair for the participants--inviting 25 local employers to meet, greet, and interview participants. At the graduation banquet, each participant receives a certificate of completion. The Reintegration Academy helps to create what Professor Renford Reese calls a "prison-to-school pipeline." See the potential savings for the state of California. Consistent with the objectives of President Obama's "My Brother's Keeper" initiative, the BLOOM Youth Reintegration Academy brings system-involved young men of color to the college campus during summer sessions and Academic Symposia throughout the year to immerse them in Academic, Life Skills, and Career Development modules.