People with records of arrest, conviction, or incarceration face many obstacles in the job market. At the same time, they also represent an untapped source of talent.

A new report to aims to “normalize opportunity” for people with criminal records, identifying policy solutions to fill critical workforce gaps and build a more equitable and just society.

Armando Martinez Vega came to the United States from Mexico in 2009. He finished elementary school, middle school, and high school in Watsonville, California, and then began attending community college.

Martinez Vega wanted to apply for citizenship, but he had no idea how to go about it. Then, his sister brought home a flyer about free immigration legal services at Cabrillo College. That support made all the difference for Martinez Vega.

The debate over race-conscious admissions policies comes as many schools are grappling with their racist pasts and striving for greater inclusion of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.

But like much of America, students at the University of North Carolina's Chapel Hill campus are divided on the issue of affirmative action and the role it should play in creating a diverse student body.