Explore stories, updates, and insights from the Prison Entrepreneurship Program, including news from our newsletter, participant successes, and program updates.
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What Separates Short Term Progress From Long Term Stability
Progress Is Not the Same as Stability After incarceration, it is possible to make quick progress. Finding a job, securing housing, or building a routine can all happen in the early stages of reentry. These are important steps, but they do not always lead to long term stability. Progress can be temporary if it is…
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How Employers Evaluate Second Chance Candidates
What Employers Are Really Looking For For individuals reentering the workforce after incarceration, understanding how employers evaluate candidates can make a significant difference. While qualifications and experience matter, they are not the only factors considered. Many employers look at a broader picture. They evaluate reliability, attitude, and long term potential alongside technical skills. Knowing what…
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The Reality of Starting Over With Limited Resources
Starting From Less Than Zero For many individuals leaving prison, reentry does not begin with a clean slate. It often begins with limited resources, few connections, and significant uncertainty. Starting over in these conditions requires more than determination. It requires navigating systems, overcoming barriers, and making progress without the support many people take for granted.…
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Why Structure Matters More Than Motivation After Incarceration
Motivation Fades but Structure Remains After incarceration, many individuals feel motivated to change. That initial drive can be powerful. It creates energy, focus, and a desire to move forward. But motivation does not last forever. It comes and goes depending on circumstances, stress, and progress. When motivation fades, something else has to take its place.…
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Why Long Term Support Matters More Than Short Term Help
Moving Beyond Short Term Solutions Support after incarceration is often focused on immediate needs. Housing, employment, and basic resources are critical in the early stages of reentry. However, long term success requires more than short term assistance. Reentry is not a single moment. It is an ongoing process that unfolds over time. Without continued support,…
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How Access to Capital Changes Outcomes After Incarceration
The Missing Piece in Reentry Conversations Access to capital is one of the most overlooked factors in reentry success. While conversations often focus on employment and education, financial resources play a major role in determining whether individuals can move forward. Without access to capital, even strong ideas and skills can remain unrealized. Funding provides the…
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The Role of Community in Reentry Success
Why No One Reenters Alone Reentry is often framed as an individual journey, but in reality, it is deeply influenced by the people and communities surrounding that individual. Support systems play a major role in determining outcomes. When individuals have access to encouragement, guidance, and accountability, they are more likely to move forward successfully. Community…
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Why Skills Alone Are Not Enough After Prison
The Gap Between Skills and Success Developing skills is often seen as the solution to reentry challenges. While skills are essential, they are only one part of a much larger equation. Many individuals leave prison with training, certifications, or practical abilities. Yet, even with these tools, success is not guaranteed. The gap between having skills…
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June 2026 Newsletter
Behind every PEP statistic is a father hoping to reconnect with the people he loves.
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What Makes Someone Ready for Opportunity
Opportunity Alone Is Not Enough Opportunity is often seen as the turning point after incarceration. While access to jobs, education, or entrepreneurship matters, opportunity alone does not guarantee success. What matters just as much is readiness. Being prepared to recognize, pursue, and sustain opportunity is what ultimately shapes outcomes. Readiness is built over time. It…
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The Economic Impact of Successful Reentry Programs
Looking at Reentry Through an Economic Lens Reentry programs are often discussed in terms of social impact, but their economic impact is just as significant. When individuals successfully reintegrate into society, the benefits extend beyond personal outcomes and into local and national economies. Employment, reduced incarceration costs, and increased productivity all contribute to measurable economic…