STRIVE Boston Employment Service Ex-Offender Program

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What is STRIVE Boston?

Am I eligible?

What benefits will I get?

How much does it cost?

How do I apply?

Useful links

What is STRIVE Boston?

STRIVE (Support and Training Result In Valuable Employees) Boston is a non-profit job-readiness program that helps ex-offenders and other unemployed hard-to-place individuals find jobs and stay employed. STRIVE combines attitudinal adjustment, education and job training, support services, placement assistance, and long-term follow-up to reach its goals.

Am I eligible?

STRIVE Boston's Ex-Offender Program is open to male and female ex-offenders, 18 and older, who are willing to take part in a five-week intensive training program in Boston. STRIVE selects applicants who will benefit from STRIVE training and are likely to remain employed after they find a job. The program is free.

What benefits will I get?

STRIVE Boston's Ex-Offender Program consists of a five-week intensive professional development training course, followed by job placement assistance, and two years of follow-up support.

The professional development training includes:

• attitudinal adjustment
  • how to follow instructions and accept criticism
  • how to work as part of a team
  • how to speak, dress, and behave professionally in a work environment
• job readiness skills
  • resume writing and job applications
  • practice interviews
  • telephone skills
• GED program
• computer classes

After the training, a STRIVE placement specialist will help match you with the right job and employer. However, you must apply for jobs on your own. STRIVE will give you advice and coaching during the application and interview process.

Once you are working, STRIVE will stay in touch on a regular basis to make sure you are doing well. If you have a problem, STRIVE is there to help with counseling, more attitudinal training, or other support services. If you become unemployed again, STRIVE will help you find another job.

If you are interested in going to college, STRIVE can help you with pre-college assessment testing, applications, and financial aid for Bunker Hill Community College.

STRIVE Boston works in partnership with CareerGear for job-appropriate clothing, X-Cel for GED and college prep training, and Bunker Hill Community College for post-graduate education.

How much does it cost?

The STRIVE Ex-Offender Program is free.

How do I apply?

If you are interested in the STRIVE Ex-Offender Program, you should call or visit:

STRIVE Codman Square
651 Washington Street
Dorchester, MA 02124
Telephone: 617-825-1800

After you fill out an application, STRIVE will review your background and needs, and interview you to see if you are likely to benefit from the program and stay employed once you find a job.

STRIVE training programs are offered in cycles, with start dates throughout the year.

Useful links

These links are external links to web sites that are not part of MassResources.org. When you click on these links, you will leave our site. Click "Back" on your browser to return.

1. CareerGear
   Information about STRIVE's partner, CareerGear, a nonprofit organization that provides free business clothing for disadvantaged men seeking employment.

2. X-Cel Adult Education Services
   Information about STRIVE's partner, X-Cel, a nonprofit organization that provides pre-GED, GED prep, and college prep classes to STRIVE participants.

3. STRIVE National Program
   Information about the STRIVE national program and local affiliates, including training, job placement, and support services.

STRIVE section last updated on 5/05/10