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Talent is everywhere. Opportunity should be too.
Every year, millions of skilled, qualified people are ready to work, but outdated records block them from jobs they are qualified to do.
Second chances are not about looking backward. They are about building stronger businesses, stronger families, and stronger communities.
These Employers Support Second Chances
The Hiring Challenge
In America, 1 in 3 adults has an arrest or conviction record.
Old records show up on background checks and block access to jobs, even years after someone has completed their sentence and remained crime-free.
Today, 94% of employers use background checks to screen applicants, and a record can reduce the likelihood of receiving a callback (or job offer) by nearly 50%.
At the same time, employers across the country are struggling to find workers.
This is not a niche issue. It is a workforce reality.
The Economic Impact
people in America have an arrest or conviction record — roughly 1 in 3 adults.
legal restrictions tied to records can limit access to housing, jobs, and professional licensing.
in income lost annually due to record-based barriers.
When qualified people are blocked from work, businesses lose talent. Communities lose economic participation. The broader economy absorbs the cost.
Removing unnecessary barriers expands workforce capacity and strengthens business performance.
What Clean Slate Does
Clean Slate laws automatically seal eligible records for people who have completed their sentence and remained crime-free for a required period of time.
By automating the process, Clean Slate reduces administrative burden and ensures that people who have earned relief actually receive it.
America's Got Untapped Talent Spotlight Series
We're spotlighting entrepreneurs, licensed professionals, and business leaders whose careers and companies thrive when opportunity expands.
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What Business Leaders Are Saying
Why Employers Participate
Forward-looking companies recognize that second chance policies are practical workforce strategies.
Employers support second chances because:
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It unlocks a large, underutilized talent pool.
It improves retention among motivated employees.
It strengthens local economies and customer bases.
Automated record sealing reduces administrative complexity.
It enhances brand trust with employees, customers, and investors.
Expanding opportunity strengthens business performance.
Join the Employer Roster
Add your company's name to demonstrate that second chances are a workforce issue — not a partisan one.
Participating is simple:
Complete a brief sign on form
Upload your logo
Optionally share a statement
Your organization will be featured on this landing page and Second Chance Month materials.
Talent is Everywhere.
Opportunity Should Be, Too.
Add your organization to the growing roster of employers supporting second chances.
About Us
Together, CSI and RBIJ are convening employers to spotlight fair chances during Second Chance Month 2026.
About The Clean Slate Initiative
The Clean Slate Initiative (CSI) passes and implements laws that automatically seal eligible records for people who have completed their sentence and remained crime-free, and expands who is eligible for sealing.
About the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice
The Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ) empowers companies to champion solutions that promote public safety, deliver justice, expand workforce opportunity, and strengthen communities.
Share Your Support on Social Media
We created a toolkit with social media graphics and sample posts to make it easy to show your support for second chances, and unlocking America's Untapped Talent.
Click the button below to download the assets, and don't forget to follow and tag The Clean Slate Initiative and Responsible Business Initiative for Justice in your posts.