FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sonji Joyner
Communications Manager, Office of Communications
Prince George's Community College
joynersr@pgcc.edu 
Largo, MD (April 8, 2025) — Prince George’s Community College (PGCC), in partnership with the Prince George’s County Executive’s Returning Citizens Affairs Division (RCAD), Employ Prince George’s (EPG), and Training Grounds Inc. is proud to announce the launch of its new workforce development initiative, the "Welcome Home" program. The program aims to help returning citizens reenter the workforce by providing trade skills training.
The announcement took place at PGCC’s Skilled Trades Center, where local stakeholders gathered to celebrate the program's official launch. Attendees included Acting Prince George’s County Executive Tara H. Jackson, PGCC President Dr. Falecia D. Williams, Ed.D., Michael Williams, director of returning citizens affairs for Prince George’s County, John Deadwyler, PGCC program director for Workforce Development and Continuing Education, and PGCC student Angelo Torres, who shared their insights on the transformative potential of the program.
“At Prince George’s Community College, we believe in second chances and the power of education to transform lives. The Welcome Home Project embodies our commitment to providing returning citizens the opportunity to rebuild their futures through education, certification, and employment,” said Dr. Williams. “We are grateful to collaborate with Returning Citizens Affairs Division, Employ Prince George’s, and Training Grounds, Inc. to create meaningful pathways to success. By investing in our returning citizens, we are investing in a stronger, more inclusive Prince George’s County—one where every individual has the tools and support to reclaim their future."
The Welcome Home Project is a free, innovative workforce development initiative supporting returning citizens incarcerated for five or more years and released within the last 18 months. It provides participants with stipends, supportive services, training, and resources to secure stable employment. The program also highlights the county’s ongoing commitment to supporting returning citizens as they transition into the community, aiming to help them build sustainable futures for themselves and their families.
“Our commitment to supporting returning citizens goes hand in hand with building a stronger, more resilient community,” said Acting County Executive Jackson. “By partnering with stakeholders like Prince George's Community College and Employ Prince George's, we’re creating real opportunities for returning citizens to develop skills, secure jobs, and build a foundation for long-term success. The Welcome Home Program is more than just a second chance, it’s an opportunity to build a stable future and strengthen the economic fabric of Prince George’s County.”
The Re-Entry Employment Incentive Program, provided by Employ Prince George’s, encourages local businesses to hire formerly incarcerated residents by offering a payroll reimbursement of up to $5,000 for each returning citizen they employed the previous year.
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About Prince George's Community College
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2022-2027), Prince George’s Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George’s County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skill sets, PGCC comprises students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. See PGCC’s Nondiscrimination Statement. Serving nearly 25,000 individuals annually, the College is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George’s County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree, and training programs, and a commitment to student success enable PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands.