Prison Entrepreneurship Program in Texas
The Prison Entrepreneurship Program, or otherwise referred to as PEP, is a common program in most Texas state prisons. Most inmates often use the opportunities they get from these programs to enhance their skills and become better people once they are out of prison. PEP dedicates itself to deliver the best outcomes in the re-entry fields in prison, as well as the values that would help inmates (PEP, N.D). The program seeks to ensure that when the inmates are free from the prisons, and they go back to the society, they will have the right support structure, skills, and tools that they will need to pursue productive, healthy, and fulfilling lives. The beneficiaries of this program affirm that they undergo one-on-one training with the assistance of executive volunteers, and both seasoned, and highly competitive professionals.
The program has proven to be successful because it starts on the inside. The program considers the character of an individual and mentors them, thus offers leadership development in them and nurtures the traits of people (PEP, N.D). Many beneficiaries perceive this program as a mini-MBA because of the many business information that it offers to the students. Besides, the students also experience a rigorous pace, which helps them adapt quickly to the system, and become the right people that the society expects of them (PEP, N.D). This program is also successful as it helps the beneficiaries with a full slate of re-entry services like case management, and connection to social services. The program ensures that all the returning citizens maximize their potential and refrain from indulging in activities that may send them to prison again.
I found this program fascinating because of many reasons. The first one is that it does not only bring transformative and positive changes to the students but also their families and the whole community. Therefore, the program does not help students alone (PEP, N.D). The second one is that as soon as one person accepts to participate in the program, the relevant people engage the family member and get as many as they can to attend the graduation of their loved one. This program loves to see the families of the beneficiaries reunited, and these people return to be the good people that the society hopes to have. Thus, the program brings out the best in the inmates and makes them see the sense of living a peaceful life.
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