Topeka ? Kansas was awarded nearly $640,000 in federal funds for a technical training program for inmates at the Topeka Correctional Facility.

The Second Chance grant was awarded to the Kansas Department of Commerce through the U.S. Department of Justice, the Topeka Capital-Journal reported.

The Kansas agency said the grant will fund Certified Production Training courses at Washburn Institute of Technology, which will teach inmates at the all-female prison skills and concepts so they are better prepared when they’re released.

“This grant provides us with the opportunity to help the women at TCF earn valuable industry recognized credentials,” Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat George said. “That will help reduce recidivism and increase job opportunities for program participants, while also enhancing our state’s workforce by increasing the number of workers with the skills and training needed by employers.”

Inmates will be assessed before they are admitted into the Certified Production Training program. A grant from the U.S. Department of Labor will be used to provide the classroom space.

The Commerce Department said it’s working with the state Department of Corrections and Washburn University in administering the grant.