OpenGate is the employment platform that matches people with criminal records to quality careers. Not just any job. The right one, based on skills, not stigma.
Over 600,000 people reenter society annually. Most face closed doors the moment an employer sees their record.
Without employment, recidivism hits 42%. With a job, it drops to 26%. Employment isn't just income. It's the difference between freedom and going back.
There are 1.5 open jobs for every available worker in America. Companies like Walmart, JPMorgan, and Coca-Cola have signed second chance pledges. The federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit offers 25-40% back on wages. The will is there. The infrastructure isn't.
Job seekers list their skills, experience, certifications, and career goals. Your record is context, not your identity.
OpenGate evaluates conviction type against job requirements to surface roles where you'll succeed, not just get hired.
We don't list every minimum-wage gig. We focus on employers offering real careers with growth, benefits, and livable pay.
| What Exists | What OpenGate Does |
|---|---|
| Generic job listings | Smart matching by conviction type and skills |
| Low-wage filler jobs | Career-track positions with growth potential |
| National one-size-fits-all | Local employers who are actually hiring fair-chance |
| Charity-driven placement | Talent marketplace. Skills meet opportunity. |
70 million Americans carry a record. Most of them carry skills, determination, and years of regret that turned into resolve. OpenGate exists because the job market should judge people by what they can do, not what they've done.