Oct 8, 2026
The Mental Shift From Surviving to Building a Future
Moving Beyond Survival Mode After incarceration, survival often becomes the immediate focus. Finding income, securing housing,…
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The latest news, press releases, and media coverage from the Prison Entrepreneurship Program.
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In The News
The Jeff Crilley Show · Jun 14, 2026
The Jeff Crilley Show: “Etcheson Interview”
The Jeff Crilley Show sits down with Michael Etcheson, PEP’s Executive Relations Manager, to discuss how the program transforms lives by helping incarcerated men become successful entrepreneurs, leaders,…
Watch Now →May 19, 2026
GHCF: “High-Impact Grantmaking: One Year of Measurable Results”
GHCF spotlights PEP as a high-impact grantee, deploying its $200,000 grant to expand the PEP Collider and serve 285 returning citizens with approximately $600,000…
Read More →Apr 21, 2026
WFAA: “Inmates Find Redemption at Entrepreneurship Program”
WFAA follows participants at the Sanders Estes Unit through PEP's transformative program, documenting the personal and professional journey from incarceration to entrepreneurship.
Watch →Apr 15, 2026
Right on Crime: “From Businesses Launched to Alumni Giving Back”
Right on Crime highlights PEP's impact on the conservative criminal justice reform movement, showcasing alumni who have launched businesses and are now giving back…
Read More →Mar 15, 2026
WFAA Yall-itics: “Turning Texas Inmates Into Entrepreneurs”
WFAA's political affairs program examines how PEP is transforming Texas prisons into entrepreneurship incubators, and the broader policy implications for criminal justice reform in…
Watch →Jan 15, 2026
Voyage Dallas: “Inspiring Conversations with Chris Valka of Prison Entrepreneurship Program”
Voyage Dallas sits down with PEP's CEO Chris Valka to explore the program's mission, growth, and the leaders driving systemic change in criminal justice…
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September 2026
September 2026 Newsletter
Behind every PEP statistic is a father hoping to reconnect with the people he loves.
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PEP Blog
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From The Blog
Oct 2, 2026
Meet the 12 Teams Competing at Today’s Lychner Business Plan Competition
Twelve teams from PEP’s Lychner Fall 2026 class pitch their business plans to volunteer investors today,…
Read Post →Oct 1, 2026
Why Self Discipline Becomes More Important Than Motivation Over Time
Motivation Starts the Process After incarceration, motivation often comes first. There is a strong desire to…
Read Post →Sep 29, 2026
Why Momentum Is Harder to Maintain Than It Is to Start
Starting Strong Is Only the Beginning After incarceration, many individuals begin with strong motivation. There is…
Read Post →Sep 28, 2026
Graduation Begins Before the Ceremony
At Sanders Estes, preparing for graduation means more than completing a program. It means giving families…
Read Post →Sep 24, 2026
How Consistent Employment Shapes Long Term Outcomes
More Than Just Getting Hired Employment is one of the most important steps after incarceration. However,…
Read Post →Sep 22, 2026
The Role of Self Awareness in Reentry Success
Understanding Yourself Changes Everything After incarceration, success is often linked to external factors like jobs, housing,…
Read Post →Sep 17, 2026
Why Learning How to Learn Matters After Incarceration
The Skill Behind Every Other Skill After incarceration, many individuals focus on learning specific skills. Whether…
Read Post →Sep 15, 2026
The Long Term Value of Investing in Second Chances
Looking Beyond the Immediate Impact Second chances are often discussed in terms of individual transformation. While…
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Journalists and media professionals are invited to reach out for interviews, data requests, and story pitches.
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