Sacramento State's program aids formerly incarcerated individuals' reintegration

Sacramento State has started its first Reintegration Academy. This eight-week program aims to support individuals who have been incarcerated as they return to society. The academy will offer classes at Sacramento State and UC Davis. These classes will provide career guidance, life skills, and resources. Nearly 40 people attended the first session, which was led by Michelle Sotelo. She shared the importance of showing support to those in the system. “When you show people that there are organizations that will help...it's a game changer,” said Sotelo. The course includes lessons on resume building, financial literacy, and personal development. One participant, Louis Laporte, is hopeful about the program. “I was just interested in coming here and being a part of this,” he said. He wants to turn his life around after facing challenges post-incarceration. The program will end with a job fair that connects participants to local employers. Sacramento State plans to hold a total of six academies this year. Sotelo emphasized that “everybody deserves second chances.”