PEP focuses on overcoming the challenges faced by individuals reentering society after incarceration, including:  

• Employment discrimination: Difficulty finding jobs due to stigma and criminal records.
• Limited education and skills: Lack of access to training required for modern employment.
• Housing instability: Challenges in finding safe, affordable housing.
• Social isolation: Barriers to reintegration caused by community exclusion.
• High recidivism rates: Helping reduce repeat incarceration through sustainable solutions.

PEP uses an innovative inside/outside model that offers:

• Inside Prison:
  • Entrepreneurship education: A rigorous business curriculum taught by volunteer business leaders.
  • Character development: Life skills, moral decision-making, and values-based lessons.

• Outside Prison:
  • Reentry support: Assistance with housing, basic needs, employment, and case management.
  • Business incubation: Mentorship, capital access, and networking opportunities through the PEP Collider program.

Entrepreneurship offers a path to economic independence for those facing employment barriers due to their criminal record. Many formerly incarcerated individuals possess the resilience and drive needed to start and grow businesses, and entrepreneurship allows them to create opportunities for themselves and others.

PEP has delivered exceptional outcomes:

• Recidivism rate: Less than 10%, far below state averages.
• Employment: 100% of graduates secure jobs within 25 days of release.
• Income: Graduates earn above the low-income threshold at job placement.
• Homeownership: 46% of graduates achieve homeownership.
• Business success: Over 700 businesses launched by PEP alumni.

PEP stands out for its holistic approach, combining:

• Values-based education: Focusing on personal transformation and entrepreneurial skills.
• Comprehensive reentry support: Addressing immediate and long-term needs.
• Community-building: Connecting participants with a robust support network of mentors, alumni, and business leaders.

PEP aims to expand its impact through:

• Digital innovation: Leveraging tablet technology for broader access to in-prison programs.
• Enhanced business support: Growing the PEP Collider to aid more returning citizen businesses.
• National expansion: Replicating the PEP model in other states.

You can support PEP in several ways:

• Donate: Your financial contributions directly fund PEP’s life-changing programs.
• Volunteer: Share your expertise by mentoring, teaching, or participating in events.
• Advocate: Spread the word about PEP’s mission and successes within your network.

• Website: Visit www.pep.org for detailed information.
• Email: Reach out at info@pep.org.
• Phone: Call PEP at 832-767-0928.
• Social Media: Follow PEP on LinkedIn, Facebook, and other platforms for updates and stories.