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 that nearly two out of three individuals released from prison are rearrested within three years. Many return to custody not because of new violent crimes, but due to parole violations, failed transitions, or lack of support.
Why Do So Many Return?
Recidivism is often misunderstood as simply a matter of poor decision-making. In reality, the reasons are complex and deeply tied to systemic barriers. Common contributors include:
- Lack of stable housing
- Limited access to employment
- Social stigma and isolation
- Gaps in mental health or addiction support
- Lack of education or life skills
Without intervention, these challenges can quickly lead someone back to the same circumstances that led to incarceration in the first place.
PEP’s Approach to Reducing Recidivism
The Prison Entrepreneurship Program addresses recidivism at its root by preparing participants for successful reentry before they ever leave prison. PEP’s model combines personal transformation with practical tools for long-term stability.
Key components of the program include:
- Leadership and character development
- Rigorous business education and planning
- Mentorship from professionals and entrepreneurs
- Certification in entrepreneurship from Baylor University
- Post-release support with housing, job placement, and startup guidance
The Results Speak Clearly
PEP graduates consistently maintain a recidivism rate of around 7 percent. This is a fraction of the national average and a direct result of the program’s holistic, high-expectation model.
In addition to staying out of prison, graduates are building businesses, raising families, and contributing to their communities in meaningful ways. They are not just avoiding incarceration. They are building lives with purpose.
Second Chances That Work
Reducing recidivism requires more than just good intentions. It requires structure, investment, and belief in human potential. PEP is one example of what is possible when those elements come together.
When men are given a chance to lead, build, and belong, they do more than change their own lives. They change the system around them.
