The Work of Opportunity
Updates
Sep 29, 2025
As the US approaches its 250th anniversary, we are reflecting on America’s founding ideals—and asking whether the promise of opportunity still holds true today.
Featured
Media
Jun 4, 2024
How to get a job if you have a criminal record
Rolling Out highlights Blue Meridian investees National Employment Law Project and Clean Slate Initiative as advocates for fair chance hiring practices in an effort to support pathways to success for justice-impacted individuals.
Media
May 22, 2024
Center for Employment Opportunities Partners with LinkedIn to Bridge Employment and Skills Gap for Justice-Impacted People
Street Insider shares the announcement of a new partnership helping thousands of job seekers returning from incarceration.
Media
May 17, 2024
NY would pay ex-inmates $2,550 after prison under bill to aid transition, curb recidivism
The Daily Messenger covers a pending bill meant to help formerly incarcerated individuals pay for food and rent while they seek jobs and stability.
Media
May 16, 2024
Minneapolis launches ‘Operation Safe Summer’ to curb seasonal rise in violence
Minneapolis-based KSTP describes efforts to curb gun violence during the upcoming summer season and describes Northside Achievement Zone's focus on reducing violence year-round.
Media
May 15, 2024
New city program encouraging Louisville employers to hire former felons
Louisville-based WDRB highlights how the Center for Employment Opportunities is helping formerly incarcerated individuals access well-paying jobs.
Media
May 15, 2024
‘The heroes of this revolution.’ Healey announces new interest-free loans to train climate tech workers.
The Boston Globe reports on Governor Maura Healy's new Massachusetts Climate Careers Fund, which will be led by Social Finance.
Media
May 15, 2024
Support Youth Villages Oregon
Portland-based KGW8 highlights Youth Villages Oregon's LifeSet program.
Media
May 13, 2024
Philanthropic collaboratives are finding ways to more effectively measure impact
Writing for Candid, Mariah Collins and Erika Caballero Montoya of The Bridgespan Group describe how funder collaboratives can equitably and effectively measure impact, citing Blue Meridian Partners as one example.
Media
May 9, 2024
Is the secret to getting rural kids to college leveraging the entire community?
The Hechinger Report highlights a panel discussion, moderated by Blue Meridian's Jim Shelton, about the value of place-based partnerships in rural communities.
Media
May 7, 2024
I’m Proof of the Power of a Second Chance | Opinion
Writing for Newsweek, Sam Lewis, CEO of Anti-Recidivism Coalition, emphasizes the importance of second chances for people with criminal records.