Business Is Just One Outcome
At the Prison Entrepreneurship Program, starting a business is one of many outcomes, but it is not the only measure of success. The program prepares men for entrepreneurship, but also for leadership, employment, and personal responsibility. When a participant transforms his thinking and follows through on his commitments, that matters just as much as profit.
Success is not limited to business ownership. It includes long-term freedom, family restoration, and community involvement.
Metrics That Matter
PEP tracks results in several key areas. Each one reflects progress that extends far beyond financial return.
- Recidivism Rate: Less than 7 percent for all PEP graduates, and around 4 percent for those completing post-release programming.
- Employment Rate: 100 percent of graduates secure employment within 90 days of release.
- Time to Employment: On average, graduates find work within 23 days.
- Wage Progression: Starting wages average around $12.63 per hour, with consistent increases over the first year.
- Business Formation: Over 500 businesses have been launched by PEP alumni across Texas.
These numbers reflect stability and follow-through. They also reflect the return on investment that comes from personal and professional growth.
Transformation You Can’t Quantify
Some of the most important outcomes are harder to measure, but no less real. These include:
- Restored family relationships
- Renewed sense of purpose
- Emotional and spiritual growth
- Community leadership
- Mentorship of others still inside
PEP’s focus on values and personal character helps participants rebuild more than careers. It helps them rebuild trust, self-worth, and a future they are proud of.
A Different Definition of Success
In traditional business, success is often measured in dollars. At PEP, success is measured in dignity restored, lives changed, and generational impact created. A man who stays free, stays employed, and stays accountable is a success, whether he owns a business or not.
PEP’s job is to equip him with the tools to lead and the support to stay the course.
