Securus Technologies Commits To Five (5) Year Funding For Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP)

PEP History
Established in 2004, the Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. PEP has pioneered innovative programs that connect the nation's top executives, entrepreneurs, and MBA students with convicted felons. The entrepreneurship boot camp and re-entry programs are proven solutions for preventing recidivism, maximizing self-sufficiency and transforming broken lives.

PEP is dedicated to delivering the nation's best outcomes in the prison re-entry field. PEP provides unparalleled resources and real-world values-based business skills to inmates so that once they are back in society they have the tools, skills and support structure to pursue healthy, fulfilling and productive lives.

PEP clients are immersed in a proven program comprised of one-on-one training with executive volunteers, business plan mentoring with seasoned professionals and a highly competitive business plan competition.

Rigorous Program Work – Superior Support Structure
PEP's mentoring along with its classroom curriculum has been described by many as a mini-MBA for the depth of business information it delivers and the rigorous pace the students experience. PEP is not an easy program, and it isn't for everyone. To be successful, students must be willing to learn new skills, think hard, work hard and be open to transformation. PEP supports its alumni far past graduation.

Transforming, Reconnecting And Bringing Hope
PEP is more than building business skills and acumen. It is designed to bring positive, transformative changes to the students, their families and communities.

"PEP is exactly the type of organization that we want to partner with because their Program provides significant training. That training goes right to the core of reducing recidivism, and they get spectacular results," said Richard A. Smith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Securus Technologies.

"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. So it is money and people – PEP is the best way to reduce recidivism that I have ever seen," stated Rick Smith.

"PEP is not just a program – it represents a revolution in the way inmates in prisons and jails are coached and counseled both in the facility and outside the facility," said Bert Smith, Chief Executive Officer of the Prison Entrepreneurship Program.

"We provide a multi-year program that covers these areas:

• Leadership
• The Quest for Authentic Manhood
• Computer Skills
• Development of Business Plans
• Public Speaking
• Entrepreneurship and Life Coaching
• Mentoring and Being Mentored

"At PEP, we are servant leaders on a mission to transform inmates and executives by unlocking human potential through entrepreneurial passion, education and mentoring. This is our business and we love what we do, and Securus is helping us extend our reach," concluded Bert Smith.

ABOUT SECURUS TECHNOLOGIES

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and serving more than 3,450 public safety, law enforcement and corrections agencies and over 1,200,000 inmates across North America, Securus Technologies is committed to serve and connect by providing emergency response, incident management, public information, investigation, biometric analysis, communication, information management, inmate self-service, and monitoring products and services in order to make our world a safer place to live.  Securus Technologies focuses on connecting what matters^®.  To learn more about our full suite of civil and criminal justice technology solutions, please visit SecurusTechnologies.com.

ABOUT PRISON ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM

PEP has an exceptional record for delivering real results to both its donors and its clients. A report by Baylor University calculated that every dollar donated to PEP yields a 340% ROI due to avoided incarceration, increased child support payments and reduced reliance on government assistance.

Another measurement of PEP's effectiveness is in reducing recidivism. Per the Baylor University report, PEP outperformed all nine of the other major prison rehabilitation programs in Texas. With a recidivism rate below 7% and 100% employment for its graduates within 90 days of release, PEP delivered a 70-80% improvement over other models. More than 280 businesses have been launched by PEP graduates.

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SOURCE Securus Technologies

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