|Participant Testimonial
The experience of having a Business Plan Advisor was so much more than I expected. When I got the feedback on my Personal Statement, I was shocked! Not only did this guy give me tons of good advice, but he had mentioned an excerpt from what I had told him is my favorite book. I couldn’t believe it. Not only did he take the time to perfect my statement, but he also read my favorite book. I have been in prison so long I didn’t even realize there were people who were so willing to help someone, and that inspired me to start breaking down barriers and treating people the way he was treating me—with kindness.
When my Advisor came to prison, we sat one-on-one to work on my business plan while getting to know each other. We talked about everything: France (he was studying abroad), girls, life, music, and everything else you could imagine. It was so cool for me. I gained a new friend that day.
My Advisor came to prison again for my graduation ceremony. Afterwards, he came up and gave me a great big bear hug. He said he was proud of me for all I had accomplished—no, for all we had accomplished—and I was grateful to him.
I experienced a philanthropic act in its most pure form. What could seem so simple to you could mean the whole world to someone sitting behind these walls. I urge you sign up for this. The experience could end up as one of the most meaningful of your life.
-Ryan H., Class 10
Advisor Testimonials
Being a Business Plan Advisor was a very rewarding experience. While I was unable to make it to Texas from Massachusetts where I was going to school, I still felt fully a part of making PEP a success. Learning about the budding entrepreneurs I was assigned to work with was both heartbreaking and hopeful. Reading about their past in their own words was extraordinary. In particular I was touched by the personal responsibility each man took for his own actions and the responsibility each man was taking for his future. PEP has certainly played a strong role in restoring these men, and it was fun to play a small part in the process by providing feedback on their business plans.
From a volunteer perspective, this program is a great opportunity for time-constrained people since the time commitment is limited and flexible. It will be fun to continue learning about PEP success stories and hopefully learn that I played a small part in the changing the life of a young entrepreneur for the better.
-Craig D., MIT MBA Student
When I started my MBA program at the University of Dallas, I never thought I would take a class that would involve mentoring a prisoner. Even when I signed up for the PEP class with Prof. Watters, I never expected to leave the class wanting to do more for the program.
Before visiting the Cleveland Unit, I wanted to go there, do my time and then get out as soon as possible. I did not like the idea of spending my Friday and Saturday with prisoners. But then I walked into the PEP room, met at ton of PEP participants, including my mentee, Aaron. Once I was there I did not want to leave. The room was filled with so much energy, excitement, respect and gratefulness. Over the next 24 hours my face hurt so much from smiling and laughing and come Saturday afternoon, I did not want to leave. These guys really changed the way I thought about inmates in this program. I could see the change in the way they talked, walked and presented themselves. They were ready to face the world as new men who would never go back to the life they once lived.
Throughout the advising process, I have seen Aaron’s plan go from a vision to reality. I am so proud of him and excited to see what he is going to do once released. The PEP program has changed my life forever.
-Jennifer B., University of Dallas MBA Student
Click here to learn about how the faculty and students at the University of Dallas and the Prison Entrepreneurship Program are engaging to combat recidivism and strengthen their communities.