Learning Report of Bard Associates Program

This document is a learning report detailing the Bard Associates Program (BAP) initiated by the Ford Foundation. The program is a full-time fellowship designed for alumni of the Bard Prison Initiative, providing formerly incarcerated individuals with professional development opportunities and exposure to various career paths over a two-year period. The report outlines the program's objectives, which include engaging participants in substantive work projects that prepare them for entry-level or higher roles outside the foundation. It emphasizes the supportive environment that encourages growth and learning while respecting the unique challenges faced by participants. The report also discusses the impact of systemic barriers on employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals, highlighting the significant unemployment rates they face compared to the general population. Through BAP, the Ford Foundation aims to address these barriers and foster a more inclusive workforce, demonstrating the potential of justice-involved individuals to contribute meaningfully to society.