Courses for Re-Entry, Recovery & More

2nd Opportunity offers a series of courses aimed at empowering participants to improve their lives. Whether you found us on your own or were sent here through an organization or employer, we're dedicated to helping you get the most out of our programming. Armed with the insight and empathy that comes only from lived experience, our instructors and other team members are uniquely positioned to help you identify and overcome the challenges of re-entry and recovery and start down a positive new path.

Explore Our Program

Meet our Instructors

Augie Ghilarducci

President
Augie Ghilarducci knows what it's like to need a second opportunity; after serving 13 years in prison for white-collar crimes, he launched a second career empowering others to break the chains of their past and create a positive new future. As part of 2nd Opportunity,  Augie now delivers his life-skills and employment-readiness programming online, via tablets, and in person in jails and prisons, substance abuse recovery centers, and more.

A. Ulises Valdez

INSTRUCTOR AND THOUGHT LEADER
When Ulises Valdez was sentenced to 144 months in prison on drug conspiracy charges, he initially planned to spend his time there honing his drug trafficking game. That changed when he began listening to his cellmate, Augie, who was teaching a goal-setting class to other inmates. Today, Ulises is working on his bachelor's degree while also serving as a presenter on the Spanish-language program of 2nd Opportunity.
Augie's program is essential to our purpose.
Sheriff Ron Hain
Kane County Jail, IL
This program is very helpful and breaks things down to a science. It will also prep you by pointing you in the right direction of the things you want to pursue.
Anibal R.
2nd Opp Student
Kane County Jail, IL
Augie knows personally how important it is for convicted felons to be given the tools, the resources, and the equal opportunities to succeed in life.
Juan M.
2nd Opp Student
Kendall County Jail, IL
I truly believe your program helped me and so many others find hope in an otherwise hopeless situation.
Jacob C.
2nd Opp Student
Kendall County Jail, IL