The primary target of this article are scholars, educators, and practitioners interested in criminal justice administration efficiency and offender reform. The problem of returning contributing ex-offenders to the family and community in which they commit crimes and must be reintegrated is that recidivism and overreliance on incarceration receive considerable attention. The theoretical modeling of “what works” to help with individual offender reform will expedite the search for rehabilitation and recidivism-reduction programs. The literature review of empirical research and findings indicate that education and work can produce expected outcomes for offender reform. This article shows the convergence of research (1990-2017) regarding the viability of correctional education and prison-based work programs to manage corrections efficiency and effectiveness. In particular, using a qualitative study has shown changing views about joint venture job readiness programs that are prison-based. The findings are interesting, not generalizable; however, worth consideration to advocate for public policies based on evidence of “what works” in individual offender reform.