Fair Chance Employer Directory: A Work in Progress Toward Equity and Opportunity

Welcome to the Arkansas Fair Chance Employer Directory, a resource created to connect justice-impacted individuals with employers who are committed to providing meaningful second chances. This directory is part of our broader mission to reduce barriers to employment for people with criminal records, support successful reentry, and build a stronger, more inclusive workforce across the state.

At the heart of this initiative is the development of the Fair Chance Seal. This is a designation awarded to employers who demonstrate a clear, verified commitment to fair hiring practices. The seal signifies that an employer not only acknowledges the importance of second chances but actively implements policies that support equitable access to employment, such as ban-the-box practices, fair background checks, and inclusive recruitment efforts. While the directory is open to any employer willing to be transparent about their hiring policies, those who receive the Fair Chance Seal have undergone additional vetting to ensure their practices align with our equity standards.

Our vetting process includes a review of publicly available information, direct engagement with employers, community input, and collaboration with reentry and workforce development partners. We believe that accountability and transparency are essential to maintaining the integrity of this directory, and we welcome feedback from the public to help ensure listed employers uphold their commitments.

This directory is still in active development, and we are continuously expanding it as we vet new employers and finalize the criteria for the Fair Chance Seal. We are also working to improve the functionality of the directory so that it is easily searchable, regularly updated, and accessible to all who need it.

Whether you are a job seeker looking for fair opportunities, an employer striving to make a difference, or a community advocate supporting reentry, we invite you to use and contribute to this directory. Together, we can promote a culture of second chances and build a more just and equitable Arkansas workforce.