Training, school & grants

A new skill is the fastest way past a record. Truck driving, construction trades, welding, coding and college degrees are all open to people with convictions, and there's real money to pay for them.

One warning first: there are no special government "grants for felons" handed to individuals. Anyone charging a fee to get you one is running a scam. The real money comes from Pell Grants, job-training funds at American Job Centers, and free nonprofit programs — all listed below.

How to get training paid for

  1. 1

    Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. Most people with records qualify for Pell Grants, which you don't pay back.

  2. 2

    Ask your local American Job Center about WIOA training funds. They can pay for short programs like CDL school or a trade certificate.

  3. 3

    Look for paid apprenticeships — you earn a wage while you learn a trade.

  4. 4

    Check free programs run by nonprofits (below) that were built for people with records.

  5. 5

    Before you pay for any course, check with the licensing agency that your record won't block the license at the end.

Paying for school & training

Federal Student Aid: eligibility with a criminal conviction

Pell Grants

The official word on student aid with a record. In most cases a conviction doesn't stop you from getting federal aid, including Pell Grants.

studentaid.gov ↗

WIOA Adult Program (U.S. DOL)

Training funds

The federal program behind training money at American Job Centers. It often covers short courses like CDL school or trade certificates.

dol.gov ↗

Apprenticeship.gov

Earn while you learn

Search paid apprenticeships near you in construction, manufacturing, health care, IT and more.

apprenticeship.gov ↗

GED

High school

The official GED site: study materials, practice tests and where to take the test if you haven't finished high school.

ged.com ↗

Trades & truck driving (CDL)

FMCSA: Commercial Driver's License program

CDL rules

The federal agency behind CDL rules. Most felony records don't bar you from a CDL; disqualifications are mostly tied to driving offenses.

fmcsa.dot.gov ↗

Home Builders Institute (HBI)

Construction

Construction-trades training (carpentry, electrical, plumbing and more), including programs in prisons and for people after release.

hbi.org ↗

Tech & business

Persevere

Coding

Teaches software development to incarcerated and recently released people, then helps them find tech jobs.

perseverenow.org ↗

The Last Mile

Coding

Technology and coding programs inside prisons, with support after release.

thelastmile.org ↗

Defy Ventures

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship and career training for people with criminal histories, inside prison and after.

defyventures.org ↗

Inmates to Entrepreneurs

Free course

Free courses on starting a small business with little money, designed for people with records.

inmatestoentrepreneurs.org ↗

Edovo

Inside prison

Free education and job-training courses on prison tablets — something to start before release.

edovo.org ↗

Common questions

Can felons get grants for school?+

Yes. Most people with records can get federal Pell Grants, which don't have to be repaid — fill out the FAFSA to find out. Drug convictions no longer affect federal student aid eligibility.

Can a felon get a CDL?+

In most cases, yes. Federal CDL disqualifications are mostly tied to driving-related offenses, such as using a commercial vehicle in a felony. A hazardous-materials endorsement requires a TSA background check with its own list of disqualifying crimes. Some trucking companies have their own hiring rules.

Is there free CDL training for felons?+

Often, yes. American Job Centers can pay for CDL school through WIOA training funds if you qualify, and some trucking companies train new drivers for free in exchange for a work commitment.

Are "felon grant" websites real?+

Be careful. The government doesn't hand out special grants to individuals just for having a record, and Grants.gov funds organizations, not people. Real help comes from Pell Grants, WIOA training funds and nonprofit programs. Never pay a fee to apply for a grant.

Keep going

Jobs for people with a recordHousing, ID & the basics after releaseOhio reentry resources

PenPalsOnly isn't affiliated with these organizations and doesn't give legal advice. Programs and rules change — confirm details with each organization directly.