Roughly 1 in 3 working adults have a criminal record, which can be an arrest record, criminal charges or a conviction. A criminal record creates barriers to jobs, occupational licensing, housing and higher education opportunities.

Governor Walz has proclaimed April as second chance month(Link is external) to raise awareness about barriers faced by people with a criminal record and create opportunities for second chances.

CareerForce offers assistance to job seekers with a criminal record in multiple ways. Here are a few resources we're highlighting today:

• One way is through New Leaf workshops, available in person or online, to help people find employment
• Another way is through hiring events featuring employers who want to give people a second chance. An example: the job fair on Wednesday April 16, 2025 at at CareerForce in Blaine from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• If you need assistance and aren't sure where to start, reach out to staff at a CareerForce location near you