Unlocking Potential Behind Bars
At PEP, we believe in second chances, and we believe that transformation begins from within. Since 2004, the Prison Entrepreneurship Program has equipped incarcerated men in Texas with the character development, business training, and post-release support they need to thrive.
More than a reentry program, PEP is a launching pad for men determined to rewrite their stories through leadership and entrepreneurship.
What Is PEP?
The Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) is a nonprofit organization that operates in select Texas prison units. Our mission is to unite business executives and inmate participants through innovative education and mentorship.
Our program begins behind bars with a rigorous curriculum, often described as a “mini-MBA,” and continues after release with transitional housing, career placement, and startup support. What makes PEP unique is our holistic approach. We don’t just prepare men for jobs. We prepare them for purpose.
Inside the Program: Education That Transforms
PEP’s in-prison phase consists of two key components:
- Leadership Academy: A character-focused curriculum emphasizing integrity, personal responsibility, and servant leadership.
- Business Plan Competition: A four-month, MBA-level crash course in entrepreneurship, where participants develop and pitch real business plans to volunteer executives and investors.
Graduates earn a Certificate in Entrepreneurship from Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business. This credential opens doors and reaffirms dignity.
Life After Release: Real-World Support
PEP’s commitment doesn’t end at the prison gates. Through our post-release services, we ensure that graduates stay on a path to success:
- Transitional housing in our eSchool community
- Employment coaching with a 100% job placement rate within 90 days of release
- Business startup guidance, with over 500 businesses launched by alumni
Our alumni network stays active through peer mentorship, volunteer engagement, and lifelong accountability.
The Results Speak for Themselves
- Recidivism rate: Less than 7 percent, compared to the national average of nearly 50 percent
- Employment: 100 percent of graduates find work within 90 days
- Entrepreneurship: Hundreds of businesses launched in industries ranging from logistics to landscaping
Beyond the numbers, what matters most is the ripple effect. Stronger families. Safer communities. Men who are living proof that change is possible.
Join the Movement
Whether you’re a business professional, donor, or advocate for justice reform, there’s a place for you at PEP. Together, we can continue building bridges between the free world and those striving to rejoin it with purpose.
