Productive Day program

The Productive Day program is designed for clients under supervision in the Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation. Participants gain the skills and training needed for meaningful employment and a living wage.

The program has become a national model that provides several benefits:

Helps participants build responsible work habits
Makes effective use of resident work resources
Provides affordable labor for community projects
Creates institutional revenue and wages for residents
Reduces incarceration costs

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Construction pathway

The Productive Day construction pathway helps fulfill the rising demand for skilled construction professionals in Hennepin County. Over a six-month period, clients under supervision gain high-quality training in the field while earning an hourly stipend.

Projects range from remodeling houses to performing residential and commercial work. Upon completion of the program, participants receive a hand tool package and are prepared to begin working in the construction trades.

Program facts

Designed for people ages 18 to 34 on probation or parole, supervised by Hennepin County.
Includes union-approved classroom instruction by a journeyman carpenter, job site training, cognitive behavioral programming, and more.
Participants also get help with transportation, housing, identification documents, and other barriers to employment.

Watch a video about the construction pathway.

Learn how your company can partner with the Productive Day construction program.

Forestry pathway

Participants in the Productive Day forestry pathway gain experience in tree care while also earning an hourly stipend.

Clients learn a wide range of urban forestry skills—from cutting techniques, to planting and pruning, to operating and maintaining equipment, to identifying tree species, disease and pests.

They can also earn certifications in CPR, tree inspection and chainsaw safety.

This program is geared for clients ages 18 to 34, with some exceptions.

Forestry pathway partners

Hennepin County Environment and Energy
Three Rivers Park District
City of Minnetonka
City of Mound
Hennepin County Railroad Authority
Tree Trust

Adult Corrections Facility work program

Through the Productive Day program at Hennepin County Adult Corrections Facility (ACF), residents are engaged daily in work activities.

A combination of educational opportunities, job and soft skills training, and real-world experience prepares residents for a working lifestyle and self-sufficiency when they are released.

Private sector work program: Minimum-security residents provide temporary labor to local businesses.

Institutional work program: Residents provide food, laundry, janitorial, library and other on-site support services at the ACF.

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