(FBOP) - Celebrating its 90th anniversary, Federal Prison Industries (FPI or tradename UNICOR) stands as a testament to the transformative power of rehabilitation, reshaping lives and strengthening communities nationwide. The journey of UNICOR began on June 23, 1934, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the law establishing Federal Prison Industries. Formalized by Executive Order 6917 on December 11, 1934, operations kicked off on January 1, 1935. Rebranded as UNICOR in 1977, the organization has since become a cornerstone of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP).
For nine decades, UNICOR and its dedicated workforce have been pivotal in the FBOP, profoundly impacting the lives of thousands of adults in custody (AICs). Many AICs who engage in UNICOR's programs secure employment with its customer's post-release. By providing job and life skills training to approximately 16,000 AICs each year, UNICOR significantly enhances AICs' prospects for meaningful employment, supporting the FBOP's reentry and recidivism reduction goals.
Beyond transforming individual lives, UNICOR contributes to community safety, reduces public assistance costs, and aids crime victims. Each year, AICs working in UNICOR contribute around $900,000 of their earnings to meet financial obligations such as child support, victim restitution, and court-ordered fines. This assists AICs in meeting their legal responsibilities while preparing for successful reentry into our communities.
When asked about UNICOR's 90th Anniversary, Director Peters stated, "UNICOR offers time-honored programs that consistently provide invaluable work and life skills opportunities for those in our care and custody to learn, grow, and prepare for a successful reentry. One of the largest barriers to reentry is the ability to obtain gainful employment so that they can be our good neighbors. This 90-year legacy and all-voluntary program is highly coveted, reflecting its value, impact, and ability to transition to higher-paying jobs in the community."
UNICOR's influence reaches far beyond the prison system, significantly supporting local and small businesses. Over 75 percent of its expenditures go towards purchasing raw materials, supplies, equipment, and services from private sector businesses. Nearly half of these purchases are from small businesses-including those owned by women, minorities, service-disabled veterans, and those in HUBZones. This spending fosters job creation in local economies, benefiting industries from raw material suppliers to trucking and services.
For 90 years, UNICOR and its employees have been a transformative force for the FBOP, AICs, and communities nationwide. Committed to its mission, UNICOR continues to protect society and reduce crime by providing AICs with job training and practical work skills for reentry success.