Can Faith and Business Coexist in Prison?
A Shared Foundation of Values At the Prison Entrepreneurship Program, business and faith are not seen as opposites. They work together to help participants lead with both confidence and character. The program teaches strategic planning and financial literacy, but it also emphasizes values like integrity, accountability, and purpose. These principles are central to both ethical […]
PEP + Families: Our Commitment Beyond the Walls
Why Families Are Part of the Mission PEP recognizes that a participant’s journey does not happen in isolation. Spouses, children and parents are deeply affected by incarceration and reentry. Providing support to families creates stronger outcomes and more lasting change for everyone involved. Pre-Release Inclusion Before release, PEP invites families to informational sessions that explain […]
Why Employers Trust PEP Grads
A Proven Track Record The Prison Entrepreneurship Program has earned the trust of hundreds of employers across Texas by consistently preparing returning citizens to thrive in the workplace. With thousands of graduates, PEP maintains a strong employment rate within 90 days of release, and most graduates secure work in less than a month. Skills That […]
A Look Inside PEP’s Business Curriculum
Building a Foundation for Success The Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) offers a comprehensive business education designed to equip incarcerated individuals with the skills needed to succeed upon release. This curriculum, often referred to as a mini-MBA, provides participants with practical knowledge and hands-on experience in business development. Curriculum Structure PEP’s business curriculum spans several months […]
PEP & the Power of Language: Redefining Identity
Language Shapes Identity The words we choose carry weight. In the context of incarceration, terms like “inmate,” “convict,” or “felon” have long been used to define individuals by their past actions, often overshadowing their humanity and potential for growth. Recognizing this, the Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) has adopted person-first language, referring to individuals as “participants,” […]
How PEP Builds Confidence from Day One
Confidence Is the Foundation of Change For many incarcerated men, confidence is the first casualty of incarceration. Years of isolation, stigma, and regret can erode a person’s sense of self-worth. The Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) addresses this challenge head-on, beginning on the very first day. PEP’s approach is rooted in the belief that every individual […]
Why Every Inmate Deserves a Shot at Redemption
Redemption Is a Choice, Not a Guarantee When people talk about second chances, they often focus on whether someone deserves one. But redemption is not given. It is chosen. For many men behind bars, the decision to change starts long before they are ever offered an opportunity. The Prison Entrepreneurship Program believes that change is […]
The Real Barriers to Reentry—And How to Break Them
Reentry Is More Than Release For people returning from prison, freedom is not the finish line. It is the beginning of a new and often uncertain journey. From the outside, it may seem like the hardest part is over. In reality, many of the biggest challenges are still ahead. Housing, employment, stigma, and mental health […]
How PEP Measures Success Beyond Profit
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 […]
What Is a Business Plan Competition in Prison?
Turning Ideas Into Action Behind Bars At the core of the Prison Entrepreneurship Program is a challenge that changes lives: the Business Plan Competition. This capstone experience gives participants the chance to take an idea from concept to execution inside a Texas prison, while gaining the tools and confidence to build a legitimate business after […]
