Despite the U.S. containing 5% of the world’s population, it houses 25% of the world’s prisoners. Each year, approximately 600,000 prisoners reenter U.S. society. The prospective future for many ex-convicts presents its own challenges, including employment. Although employment can prevent recidivism, ex-convicts face barriers like stigma, an unstable and competitive job market, and racial and gender inequities. Although secure employment and financial security are important, professional identity provides psychological and emotional benefits that prevent recidivism. This pilot study was conducted at one of the prisons in the Midwest in the USA, exploring professional identify among inmates. A pre-assessment (8-item Likert scale, n=19) and post-assessment (6-item Likert scale, n=6) were implemented during a professional identity workshop. Assessments also included open-ended responses. Responses were analyzed using a split file between those who continued with the program and those who did not. A chi-square analysis showed that people who previously had a job they liked and those who had mentor were more likely to stay in the program. Qualitative comments inmates also offer valuable insight to the study and recommendations for future program.

Aniketh would like to extend his thanks to his faculty sponsor, Dr. Hisako Matsuo, for her support on this project. In addition, he would also like to thank Elizabeth Salley for her help in the project.