Easton, PA —Northampton County, Northampton Community College (NCC), and the Lehigh Valley Justice Institute (LVJI) have announced a new partnership designed to prepare incarcerated individuals for successful reentry into the workforce through education, career planning, and hands-on support.
The Pathway to Your Future Program connects participants with career exploration, job readiness training, and college credit—helping individuals build a foundation for meaningful employment after release. The initiative reflects a shared commitment among County leadership, NCC, and LVJI to expand opportunity and strengthen the regional workforce.
“This program is about creating real second chances,” said Tara Zrinksi, Northampton County Executive. “By equipping individuals with skills, direction, and support before they leave incarceration, we are strengthening both their futures and our regional workforce.”
Participants engage in an immersive curriculum focused on career pathways, employability skills, financial literacy, and reentry planning. Through structured activities, they identify career interests, build resumes, practice interview skills, and develop actionable plans aligned with high-demand industries. As part of the program, NCC provides Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credits in key college success and career planning courses, allowing participants to begin their higher education journey before release and continue seamlessly after reentry.
Beyond the classroom, participants receive individualized support including academic advising, financial aid counseling, supportive groups, and connections to workforce and career services—ensuring they are not only prepared to find a job, but to build a sustainable career. The program lead facilitator is Northampton County Reentry Specialist Jennifer Siegfried.
“Jennifer brings more than a decade of experience in corrections to her role as Northampton County’s Reentry Specialist, and that expertise is strengthening this important work every day,” Zrinski said. “Through the County’s partnership with Northampton Community College—with support from Lehigh Valley Justice Institute—we are connecting incarcerated individuals with skilled trades educators and building real pathways to employment, including opportunities to earn college credits. This is what meaningful reentry looks like, focusing on practical, collaborative, and long-term success.”
The program also directly addresses barriers faced by individuals with a criminal record, helping participants understand employment limitations, navigate disclosure, and identify viable career opportunities in today’s job market.
By aligning education with workforce needs, the initiative aims to reduce recidivism and strengthen the local economy. Participants leave the program with a clearer sense of purpose, practical skills, and a pathway into NCC’s workforce training and degree programs.
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to move forward,” said President of Northampton Community College Dr. David Ruth. “This partnership ensures that individuals who have made mistakes still have access to education, support, and a future filled with possibility.”
The program was developed with the support and advocacy of LVJI, whose commitment to advancing innovative approaches to criminal justice reform and workforce reentry helped bring partners together around a shared vision of education and opportunity.
About Northampton County
Northampton County strives to be a safe and prosperous community by providing quality, cost-effective services to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of present and future generations. The County protects the environment, supports the economy, and fortifies public health and safety through the establishment of facilities and programs to safeguard our quality of life.
About Northampton Community College
Founded in 1967, Northampton Community College (NCC) serves more than 20,000 students annually through degree, workforce training, and community education programs. Committed to access and student success, NCC provides innovative, high-quality learning experiences that prepare students to enter or advance in the workforce or transfer to four-year institutions. Through continued growth, NCC remains a vital workforce pipeline and community partner in the region.
About The Lehigh Valley Justice Institute
The Lehigh Valley Justice Institute is an independent nonpartisan research, policy, and advocacy organization working to develop and promote a reimagined criminal justice system that is equitable and fair for all communities. The Institute employs a data-driven approach focused on the criminal justice processes of the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania.
Information provided to TVL by:
Northampton County
