Turning Texas Inmates Into Entrepreneurs
In ‘tough on crime’ Texas, some prisoners are being asked to share their life dreams and passions. Reigniting aspirations they had before they turned to crime is part of a regimented, elite, volunteer program that has turned out thousands of graduates who have left prison with new skills, knowledge, goals, and a support system on the outside. Their stats tell the story: 100% job placement within weeks of getting out and a much lower likelihood of re-offending. It has drawn bipartisan kudos, interest from other states and countries, and it’s now expanding exponentially in Texas. The Jasons hear about the extraordinary achievements of the Texas Prison Entrepreneurship Program from Michael Etcheson, who has experienced it from inside…and outside prison. GUEST: Michael Etcheson, Exec Relations Manager, Prison Entrepreneurship Program
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Show Notes
00:00 – Inside Texas’ Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP)
01:05 – How PEP Is Changing Lives Behind Bars
02:20 – Meet Michael Etcheson: From Prison to Leadership
03:45 – Why Texas Supports This Unusual Prison Program
05:10 – Sharing Life Dreams in a “Tough on Crime” State
06:40 – What Makes the Prison Entrepreneurship Program Elite
08:05 – Business Skills and Leadership Training in Prison
09:30 – 100% Job Placement After Release: How It Works
10:55 – Why PEP Graduates Are Less Likely to Reoffend
12:20 – The Support System Waiting After Prison
13:40 – Bipartisan Support and Interest From Other States
15:00 – The Future Expansion of PEP Across Texas