For justice-involved individuals, it can be very difficult to find a job and get their lives back on track. According to an analysis of the Bureau of Justice Statistics' National Former Prisoner Survey by the Prison Policy Initiative, more than 93% of 25–44-year-olds who were once incarcerated are either employed or actively seeking work. That's a significant percentage of the labor force that's often dismissed unfairly or ignored entirely.
The innovative GAF Roofing Academy program is creating meaningful, career-building opportunities designed to offer a second chance to these individuals. Graduates are thoroughly trained and then paired with industry connections to begin new chapters—a win-win for communities across the country.
A Unique Approach to Training
The GAF Roofing Academy provides tuition-free training opportunities designed to prepare individuals who have been impacted by the criminal justice system for a career in the roofing industry. No experience is required.
"Our target market is mostly people from underserved, underfunded, under-resourced communities—some are transitioning military, displaced or dislocated workers, women, and justice‑impacted individuals," explains Roderick Colvin, GAF's Senior External Learning and Development Relationship Specialist.
Since 2020, the program has:
- Hosted more than 365 classes
- Trained more than 3,400 people
- Placed more than 2,000 new roofers in jobs
- Seen an increase of 70% in justice-involved participants between 2023 and 2024
In addition, the 2024 graduating class was 28% Black Americans, 16% justice‑involved, and 14% women.
"As a national recruiter and placement specialist, part of my job is to motivate those individuals and get them excited about a career opportunity to help them achieve financial upward mobility," says Roderick. "The GAF Roofing Academy is offering them an opportunity to realize success."
The week-long program introduces participants to the roofing industry: 15% of the curriculum is classroom-based, covering things like safety, product knowledge, and terminology. "The other 85% is hands‑on, whether it's a commercial or residential install, a class that teaches in‑home sales techniques, or training individuals how to install solar shingles," Roderick explains.
Once the GAF Roofing Academy concludes, participants receive a certificate of completion that's recognized industry‑wide, so company owners are assured individuals have achieved a competency level to enter the roofing industry.
"At the end of the week, we invite local employers, roofing contractors, and distributors to meet with these individuals who have just successfully graduated," says Roderick. "Our role is to get them to start an onboarding process or offer these individuals job opportunities."
The Power of a Second Chance
Roderick says his passion for the GAF Roofing Academy is fueled by his own justice-involved background. He took college courses in prison, becoming a trusted mentor and trauma trainer for fellow inmates, which helped reduce his sentence in 2019. After Roderick was released, he joined GAF soon after, and he likes to share his experience with potential academy participants.
"I'm always transparent about who I am and what my background is, because I want them to realize that success is available to them, as well," he explains.
John Harris is one of many success stories. He spent 14 years in and out of jail, and says the GAF Roofing Academy changed his life.
"My whole life, I didn't have many opportunities to do anything. I was working a lot of dead-end jobs that didn't amount to much," recalls John, a St. Louis, Missouri father of two teenage sons.
Two years ago, John's cousin invited him to join a training session through the GAF Roofing Academy. Although the program was full, John waited outside in case there was a last-minute opening. His patience paid off when a participant didn't show up.
"That class is the best thing that ever happened to me, and I haven't looked back since," says John, who now works on a traveling crew doing commercial roofing projects. "I just bought a house, I have two cars, and my credit line is a lot better. Being financially stable keeps you grounded, and I hang around people from different backgrounds, which has helped me grow as a man."
John is grateful for the opportunity the GAF Roofing Academy provided, which is also helping him be a role model for his sons. He believes others at a crossroads in their lives should stay positive.
"Never quit, and always strive to do better," he says. "When one door closes, another one opens. There's always somebody out there willing to help you, so just look for them."
Business Benefits of Second-Chance Hiring
Roderick notes that employers partnering with the GAF Roofing Academy gain access to a motivated, untapped workforce, with low turnover and strong loyalty.
"There are also incentives, like tax credits that are offered by the Department of Labor and additional funds that vary from state to state," he adds. "Our employers discovered that justice-involved individuals turn out to be some of the best employees they have."
John adds that when employers take a chance, they will be rewarded.
"People like me make great workers, because we have more to lose than the average person. Any wrong step I make means I can be back in jail, and the rest of my life will be gone," he says. "For people like me, this program is a lifeline."
Whether you're someone who's been impacted by the criminal justice system or a contractor or employer who's looking to bring on highly performant workers, learn more about and explore the benefits of second-chance hiring by visiting GAF Roofing Academy.
