Criminal and civil justice technology solution provider Securus Technologies made a joint announcement of the second year of their promised five year commitment with the Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP). Also announced was a new agreement to expand reentry and rehabilitation support to additional inmates and their families.
Texas-based PEP is a non-profit organization assisting inmates in re-entering society by giving them the values, skills, and connections they need to have for productive and fulfilling lives. The program boasts 70-80% greater results over other models in keeping former felons from reoffending once they’re out of prison. PEP’s innovative programs connect the nation’s top executives, entrepreneurs, and MBA students with convicted felons that includes an entrepreneurship boot camp, mentoring and a curriculum that approaches a mini-MBA. Over 280 businesses have been launched by PEP graduates.
According to a report from Baylor University, PEP has appreciable results for clients and donors, with every dollar donated into the program resulting in a 340% ROI from reduced reliance on government assistance and avoided incarceration costs. Recidivism rates in the PEP program are less than 7%, while 100% of alumni receive employment within 90 days of release.
Securus Technologies CEO and chairman, Richard A. Smith, talked about the partnership in a press release, saying that, “PEP is exactly the type of organization that we want to partner with because their Program provides significant training… For us, partnering with PEP takes the form of a substantial financial commitment, training and using our sales team and executives to promote the Program, in addition to Securus executives volunteering to support inmates’ educational requirements.”
