Ex-offenders face greater barriers as current U.S. policies prevent or diminish their chances of obtaining certain jobs that will dominate the market over the next two decades. “According to the U.S. Department of Justice, nearly every person in prison, and 95 percent of inmates in state prisons, will one day be released; however, approximately 68% could return to prison” (goodwill). Ex-offenders are often ineligible for financial assistance to enroll in post-secondary institutions, which many high-demand industries require. According to Transition Jobs (2006), “…not only does stable employment have a huge impact on the financial situation and self-respect of working people, but it also has a number of positive benefits for their children and other members of the family ". Many current and former offenders have dependent children; therefore, increased job opportunities will allow them to provide support without government assistance. Such opportunities will allow them to mend relationships with their families and promote positive role models for children as they gain careers. According to Goodwill, “When people return to prison instead of successfully reintegrating into their communities, which are often high-poverty areas, those communities lose approximately $11.6 billion annually due to the loss of potential earnings that these people they could have earned” (Goodwill ). Business owners and hiring managers need to understand that giving them a second chance isn't about rehabilitating them, it's about giving them the right to earn a wage, make their businesses more profitable, and stimulate their economy. .middle of paper......attaining higher education is critical to supporting employment in the 21st century marketplace. Some decision makers may not fully understand how allowing ex-offenders to further their education can actually benefit the workforce, stimulate growth, and possibly minimize the cycle of poverty. Department of Justice, education, and business leaders must recognize that it will be beneficial to provide rehabilitative services, rather than simple punishment, depending on the nature of their conviction. Workforce agencies that work with this group need to partner with educational programs that offer GEDs and other growing industry certifications so they can attract employers to gain confidence in hiring their clients. Education can actually show that this group is serious about improving their lives and is able to compete in the global economy.