The United States is at its best when all Americans can get an education, pursue their dreams and build rewarding careers. In late December, President Trump signed a bill into law that will improve the ability for incarcerated individuals to realize these American ideals by expanding job skills education programs within federal prisons. Named the FIRST STEP Act, this legislation empowers those committed to reforming their lives with opportunities to learn the hard and soft skills to land jobs and thrive when re-entering society.

A rare bipartisan compromise, the goal of this legislation is simple, yet noble: reform the nation’s federal prison system and reduce recidivism rates. It was carefully crafted to ensure justice is served while reforming sentencing and increasing the number of educational and rehabilitation programs for eligible inmates.

To determine what type of support individuals would need, such as drug and alcohol counseling, education and skills development, the legislation requires the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide assessments when inmates’ sentences begin. Under the reformed guidelines, inmates can earn credits for continued participation in education programs, which could be used to moderately reduce sentences. This incentive will allow individuals to focus on their future by mastering a craft that would help lead to gainful employment upon their release.

The FIRST STEP Act also allows prisons to establish partnerships with organizations such as Associated Builders and Contractors, which operates educational and apprenticeship programs across the United States, or other institutions, nonprofits, private businesses and faith-based groups that can deliver skills education, certifications or donate equipment. These partnerships benefit everyone: Not only are inmates receiving the most up-to-date skills, but the connections they make with organizations also can lead to employment upon release. The legislation also outlines the benefits of industry-recognized education programs, which teach market-driven skills and allow individuals to earn portable and stackable credentials upon completion.

Many technical education courses can be replicated within the federal prison system. One shining example is Project JumpStart, a 14-week pre-apprenticeship program in Baltimore. A partnership between the ABC Baltimore Chapter and the Job Opportunities Task Force, Project JumpStart provides intensive classroom and hands-on training to low-income Baltimore City residents—including many who have been formerly incarcerated. The program, which uses industry-recognized curricula to teach carpentry, electrical and plumbing skills, works with more than 150 area companies to place JumpStart graduates in jobs and set them on a career path beyond an entry-level position. Since 2006, Project JumpStart has graduated more than 800 people and has an 80 percent job placement rate.

The FIRST STEP Act is especially welcome given the workforce shortage impacting industries across the United States. ABC estimates there are 500,000 construction jobs ready to be filled right now, and that number will increase with economic growth and forthcoming federal infrastructure legislation.

Passage of the FIRST STEP Act will aid partnerships between the U.S. Bureau of Prisons and programs such as Project JumpStart, which can be duplicated across the country. It is also a critical first step to allowing previously incarcerated citizens to have the opportunity to build their careers and achieve the American dream.