Scholarship America Program Q&A: Aramark Correctional Services IN2WORK

Aramark Correctional Services is celebrating the 20^th anniversary of its IN2WORK (I2W) program, which has worked with thousands of justice-impacted individuals, offering education and industry certifications for a path to success both during and post-incarceration. The program includes a scholarship opportunity for participants and their families, administered by Scholarship America; we spoke to IN2WORK director Nicole McVaugh of Aramark about its impact and importance.

Scholarship America: First off, tell us a little bit about how the IN2WORK program was initially developed.

A: The program was created in 2005 with a mission to provide incarcerated men and women with food safety training and the sense of working in a team environment. Aramark formalized the training in partnership with the Kansas Department of Corrections, and around 2009, it was given the name IN2WORK.

The pilot program with the Kansas DOC was a tremendous success and since food service was the heart of Aramark, the leaders decided to expand the training to include food service operations and provide the students with practical and hands-on training – the IN2WORK team implemented a baked potato bar. The students in the class would clean, cook, and prepare the potatoes and all the fixings, using the food safety skills they learned through the classroom training. So, IN2WORK started with a potato!

Since its creation, IN2WORK has expanded into thirty-two states and is proud to report more than 280 programs across our portfolio. We’ve graduated more than 14,000 students, and hired many as a second chance employer.

SA: As the program expanded, how did you decide to include a scholarship component alongside the original training offering?

A: Education is proven to play a large factor in reducing recidivism. Providing our graduates with an opportunity to jump start or continue their education became a natural next step to graduating the program. We offer scholarships for our graduates to use while incarcerated post release so that our graduates are equipped with all the tools to help better themselves, their families, and communities.

SA: Why does Aramark feel it’s so important to invest in scholarships for program graduates and their families?

A: The cycle of incarceration can unfortunately be generational. By offering the family members of our graduates’ scholarships, we can provide opportunity to help break the cycle of incarceration. And more impactfully, our graduates are able to support family members while incarcerated through scholarship opportunities, uniquely and positivity strengthening that family bond – another way to help reduce recidivism.

SA: How has participation in the IN2WORK program improved the lives of residents while incarcerated?

A: IN2WORK students gain a sense of pride while participating in the program and this only continues (and increases) once they have graduated. The knowledge and skills that students learn through the program help build confidence and competence. Graduates of the program become mentors – assisting in teaching the class, conducting study groups to get ready for the certifications, taking an active leadership role with the program.  In some locations, our graduates can earn a paid internship through IN2WORK, allowing graduates to support themselves, help loved ones back home and create a savings to prepare for release.

SA: And what impacts have the program, and the scholarship had on participants and their families after release?

A: Earning an IN2WORK scholarship has helped some of our graduates start on the pathway to a career and for others it has allowed them to find and foster their love of learning. Education plays a factor in reducing recidivism but also in finding employment that will allow the graduates to support themselves and their families as well as play an active role in the community.

SA: Are you in touch with past program participants? Are there any of their stories that continue to stand out to you?

A: The IN2WORK scholarship has allowed our students to forge their own path; I couldn’t choose just one story. One of our awardees started her journey to a B.A. in business management and completed her degree post-release. She has plans on opening her own food truck. Another earned his technical degree in HVAC and went on to be a technician (and is still doing that today!) and another received his CDL and is driving his own truck. This could turn into a very long answer; we are proud and honored that our graduates & award winners share their educational goals/stories with us.

SA: How do you see the IN2WORK program evolving and developing in the coming years?

A: Big plans for the IN2WORK program in the coming years! As a mission-based line of business, we will continue to grow the impact of the program by offering IN2WORK to each of our corrections partners, placing a focus on workforce development and assisting our graduates with employment at Aramark and with other fair chance partners. We also will expand our reach by enabling technology and additional educational and certification opportunities.