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 Makes a Job Opportunity Sustainable After Prison
Not All Jobs Lead to Stability Finding a job after incarceration is an important step, but not every job leads to long term success. Some opportunities provide short term income but fail to create stability over time. Understanding what makes a job sustainable helps shift the focus from simply getting hired to building something that…
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The Emotional Side of Reentry That Often Gets Ignored
The Side of Reentry That Is Harder to See Reentry is often discussed in practical terms such as jobs, housing, and education. These are important, but they do not tell the full story. There is also an emotional side to reentry that is less visible but just as important. Adjusting to life after incarceration involves…
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Why Consistency Outperforms Intensity in Reentry
The Problem With Going All In Too Fast After incarceration, it is common to feel a surge of motivation. Many individuals want to change everything at once. They try to work harder, move faster, and make immediate progress. This intensity can feel productive, but it often does not last. When energy fades or challenges appear,…
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Measuring Success Beyond Employment After Prison
Success Is More Than a Job Employment is often seen as the primary goal after incarceration. Finding a job is important, but it is only one part of a much larger picture. Long term success involves stability, growth, and the ability to sustain progress over time. Focusing only on employment can overlook other factors that…
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How Environment Influences Behavior After Incarceration
Why Surroundings Matter More Than Expected After incarceration, individuals are often told to make better choices. While personal responsibility is important, behavior is also heavily influenced by environment. Where someone lives, who they interact with, and what opportunities are available all shape daily decisions. Environment can either support progress or make it more difficult. Understanding…
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The Role of Business Thinking in Reentry Success
Thinking Like a Problem Solver Reentry is filled with challenges that require more than effort alone. It requires the ability to think strategically, solve problems, and make informed decisions. This is where business thinking becomes valuable. At its core, business thinking is about identifying problems, evaluating options, and creating solutions that produce results. These skills…
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Why Decision Making Skills Matter After Release
The Weight of Everyday Decisions After incarceration, life becomes a series of decisions. Some are small and routine, while others carry long term consequences. The ability to make thoughtful decisions can shape outcomes in powerful ways. Each choice influences direction, stability, and opportunity. Decision making is not just a skill. It is a foundation for…
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July 2026 Newsletter
Behind every PEP statistic is a father hoping to reconnect with the people he loves.
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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.…