NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, Pa. – Northampton County says it is teaming up with a local college and a research institute for a program aimed at helping people in prison prepare to successfully renter the workforce.
The Pathway to Your Future Program will provide people in prison education, career planning, and hands-on support, according to a news release from the county.
The county said it is partnering with Northampton Community College and the Lehigh Valley Justice Institute to launch the program.
The program connects participants with career exploration, job readiness training, and college credit—helping people build a foundation for meaningful employment after release, the county said.
“This program is about creating real second chances,” said Northampton County Executive Tara Zrinksi.
“By equipping individuals with skills, direction, and support before they leave incarceration, we are strengthening both their futures and our regional workforce.”
The county said the program also directly addresses barriers faced by people with a criminal record, helping participants understand employment limitations, navigate disclosure, and identify viable career opportunities in today’s job market.
Participants engage in an immersive curriculum focused on career pathways, employability skills, financial literacy, and reentry planning, according to the county.
Through structured activities, they identify career interests, build resumes, practice interview skills, and develop actionable plans aligned with high-demand industries, the county said in its news release.
As part of the program, NCC provides Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credits in key college success and career planning courses.
The county says this allows participants to begin their higher education journey before release and continue seamlessly after reentry.
Beyond the classroom, participants receive individualized support including academic advising, financial aid counseling, supportive groups, and connections to workforce and career services, the county said.
The program lead facilitator is Northampton County Reentry Specialist Jennifer Siegfried.
“Jennifer brings more than a decade of experience in corrections to her role as Northampton County’s Reentry Specialist, and that expertise is strengthening this important work every day,” Zrinski said.
“Through the County’s partnership with Northampton Community College—with support from Lehigh Valley Justice Institute—we are connecting incarcerated individuals with skilled trades educators and building real pathways to employment, including opportunities to earn college credits. This is what meaningful reentry looks like, focusing on practical, collaborative, and long-term success.”