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Wyoming council approves one‑time funding to continue re‑entry program while DOC builds homegrown model
Summary
The Wyoming Workforce Development Council approved a one‑time funding request to maintain the Acceleron pre‑release re‑entry program through 2026 while the Department of Corrections and partners develop a Wyoming‑specific re‑entry program to launch in 2027.
The Wyoming Workforce Development Council voted to approve a one‑time funding request to keep the Acceleron pre‑release re‑entry program available for incarcerated people eligible for release while the Department of Corrections develops a state‑specific re‑entry model.
Council staff presented the request as a bridge to cover program licenses and participant materials while DOC and partners — including the Department of Workforce Services and the University of Wyoming — finalize a customized Wyoming re‑entry program. DOC re‑entry manager Justin Burkard told the council the department is meeting weekly with the university and aims for a homegrown program to be in place by 2027; the requested funds would cover Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2026 as a stopgap.
Materials presented to the council describe Acceleron as a modular pre‑release program that integrates cognitive behavioral strategies, life skills and employment readiness training. Since its introduction in May 2023, materials show 635 completers and additional participants who used the program without completing it. DOC representatives clarified the program is delivered in‑person at facilities using an online platform supplemented by booklets and facility re‑entry staff.
Council members asked about sustainability, follow‑up employment outcomes and the expiration of a prior Pathway Home grant that funded infrastructure and DWS positions. Staff said the Pathway Home grant expires at the end of 2025 and that, absent continued grant support, workforce center staff will absorb re‑entry responsibilities; they also said some employment outcome tracking is manual and incomplete, but they will provide available follow‑up data to the director.
A motion to approve the request was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote during the meeting. Council members asked staff to pursue better measures for post‑release employment outcomes and to coordinate employer engagement and potential private partners for future sustainability.
