Walmart Renews Funding for At-Risk Youth Hiring Program Unlock Potential through Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity

Walmart Provides $1.4 Million Grant to Support Youth Most at Risk of Incarceration 

New York, N.Y., October 26 – Through the Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity, Walmart today announced its next reinvestment in Unlock Potential (UP), a hiring program that puts young adults in jobs and keeps them out of jail. With a two-year $1.4 million grant, the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ), a fiscally sponsored project of NEO Philanthropy, will scale efforts to disrupt the nation’s prison pipeline by placing youth most at risk of incarceration in jobs while building economic mobility.

“Through Unlock Potential, employers across the country are building a more equitable and prosperous future for the young adults most at risk of incarceration, as well as their communities, while getting access to great talent,” said Dr. Marvin Carr, Director, Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity. “Both Walmart and Sam’s Club are proud to support this program and grateful to our local and national collaborators who have made it a reality.”

Launched in 2022, UP supports youth not in school or the workforce who are at the greatest risk of incarceration or other justice system involvement. Matched with employers and community-based organizations for wraparound care, these young people are empowered to grow deep roots in their community and follow lawful paths to prosperity.  

“First chance job opportunities are critical in breaking the cycle of incarceration,” RBIJ CEO Maha Jweied said. “Unlock Potential is building a brighter future for young adults, and we thank the Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity for its commitment.”

Participating businesses in the pilot phase of Unlock Potential included Autozone, Ben & Jerry’s, Burlington Stores, Delta, Goodwill of Columbus, Greyston Bakery, and Sam’s Club. Across its five pilot states, 39 participants have been employed through the program. Unlock Potential now moves into its second phase with additional employer participation – including Burlington Stores, Flagger Force, Guayakí Yerba Mate, Hilton, and Virgin Hotels – to broaden its impact on youth and communities across the nation. 

Since its launch in 2022 with partner Persevere, UP has already established itself as an award-winning DEI project that disrupts the poverty-to-prison pipeline and empowers young people through meaningful, long-term career opportunities. The funding announced today will allow RBIJ to reach more young people whose futures are waiting to be unlocked.