At the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office, we are committed to providing innovative reentry and vocational training opportunities that equip justice-involved individuals with the skills needed for successful reintegration. Our partnership with Emerge Career is a prime example of this mission in action, offering comprehensive Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training to prepare participants for high-paying, in-demand careers.
Why Emerge Career?
Emerge Career stood out as an ideal partner due to its technology-driven, end-to-end training approach, ensuring that participants receive continuous support from incarceration to employment. Key program highlights include:
✅ Onsite Support – Emerge’s team, including co-founder Gabe, makes regular visits to connect with participants and ensure program success.
✅ Tech-Enabled Learning – With 24 tablets deployed across HCSO facilities, the program minimizes the need for classroom space and maximizes accessibility.
✅ Strong Outcomes – Emerge Career boasts an impressive 94% graduation rate and an average starting salary of $75,000 for CDL-certified graduates.
✅ Ongoing Career Support – Participants receive job placement assistance post-release, ensuring a smooth transition into the workforce.
Expanding Vocational Training at HCSO
While CDL training is a cornerstone of our partnership with Emerge Career, we also offer a range of vocational and reentry programs to support workforce development, including:
📌 Emerging from Incarceration – A digital training suite covering financial literacy, job readiness, and digital skills, preparing individuals for long-term success.
📌 Future Expansion – In 2025, Emerge Career is adding fiber optic training, green jobs training, and construction programs, broadening career pathways for participants.
Seamless Reentry Support with AISS
The CDL training program is a powerful complement to HCSO’s All Inclusive Support Services (AISS), which addresses housing, mental health, addiction recovery, and employment challenges. Through weekly updates, onsite presentations, and accessible program materials, Emerge Career and AISS work hand in hand to ensure long-term reentry success.
Program Success & Impact
Since launching in May 2024, the program has generated overwhelming interest:
📊 221 total applicants from HCSO’s incarcerated population
📊 58 participants selected, with 47 still in custody and 11 already working with Emerge post-release
📊 Graduates securing jobs with salaries up to $80K per year
⭐ Success Story: Idelberto Soto, our first graduate, began CDL training while incarcerated and reconnected with Emerge Career through an AISS event post-release. He is now preparing for his first CDL job, with a promising career ahead.
Enrollment & Interest
With class sizes of up to 20 participants using Emerge’s tablet-based learning model, the program has already engaged a significant portion of HCSO’s 900-person daily population—a testament to the demand for meaningful vocational training.
Learn More
Emerge Career is a free CDL training program for people who have been impacted by the justice system. To learn more about the program, visit bit.ly/FreeCDL-HSCOMA.