The WorkPlace. The Connecticut workforce nonprofit and Southern Connecticut State University run a tech-training program for people facing barriers to work, including formerly incarcerated and long-term unemployed adults. Program manager Mark Lazarus built AI tools for job search, interview practice and career planning to extend staff coaching. The program placed 232 of 374 enrollees, about 62%, at reported average salaries of $65,000 to $70,000. Program leaders credit intensive case management as central; results are not attributed to the AI tools.