Myth-Busting: What Most People Get Wrong About Prisoners

Breaking the Narrative The conversation about incarceration in America is often shaped by fear, stereotypes, and outdated assumptions. These narratives affect public policy, hiring decisions, and how returning citizens are treated when they reenter society. At the Prison Entrepreneurship Program, we work with men who are proving those narratives wrong every day. To move forward […]
The Truth About Recidivism—and How PEP Breaks the Cycle

What Is Recidivism? Recidivism refers to the tendency of a person with a criminal conviction to reoffend and return to prison. It is a major challenge within the U.S. justice system and one of the key indicators used to measure the effectiveness of reentry and rehabilitation programs. Nationally, the recidivism rate remains high. Studies show […]
5 Ways to Support PEP in 2025
Make 2025 a Year of Impact If you’re looking for a way to create real change in 2025, the Prison Entrepreneurship Program offers a variety of ways to get involved. Whether you want to give, volunteer, or spread the word, your support directly helps men in prison build new futures through leadership, education, and entrepreneurship. […]
Behind the Scenes: What Day One Looks Like in a PEP Class
A Structured Start The first day of a PEP class is focused, intentional, and unlike any other experience inside a correctional facility. Participants enter with questions and expectations. Many have heard that PEP is different. From the start, that difference is clear. Staff and volunteers greet participants by name. There are no titles, no formalities, […]
FAQ: Can You Start a Business from Prison?
Can You Start a Business While Incarcerated? Yes, but with limitations. In most prison systems, incarcerated individuals are not allowed to officially register or operate a business in their own name while serving time. However, many people begin developing business ideas, plans, and strategies during incarceration. Programs like the Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) help participants […]
Why Second Chances Matter: The Power of Reentry Support
Reframing the Measure of a Life It is common to define individuals by their worst decisions. A conviction, a prison sentence, or a criminal record can overshadow every other aspect of a person’s identity. But what if we chose instead to focus on who a person is becoming? At the Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP), we […]