Congratulations Class 12 Grads!

On Friday‚ December 4‚ Mike Humphrey‚ Chairman of PEP’s Governing Board‚ and Phi Tran‚ PEP’s Acting CEO‚ graduated PEP’s 12th class at Cleveland Unit in Cleveland‚ TX. More than 50 men proudly walked across the stage to receive their diplomas – for many‚ it was the first time in their lives to achieve this accomplishment. More than 150 family members and friends were in attendance – in addition to more than 50 executives from around the country.

Prior to graduation‚ executives volunteered their time to judge the Business Plan Competition – the culmination of five months of hardwork‚ determination and entrepreneurial spirit for our participants. Over two days‚ panels heard presentations of business plans‚ and asked tough questions of each participant entrepreneur about their research‚ their potential funding and the validity of their ideas. The winning business plan‚ presented by Class 12 participant Thomas V.‚ was announced in front of the graduation audience on Friday night.

Other PEP award winners were Jonny F. for Class 12 Valedictorian‚ and the Mr. PEP award, which was given to Moses A.

The Power of PEP

A first–hand look at what happened at Class 12’s Business Plan Competition and Graduation as told by Class 12 Grad, Gerald L.



On the day of the Business Plan Competition I was feeling pretty nervous. The day started with breakfast as we anxiously waited for our executive guests to arrive. A large number of executives attended and we began to feel the energy of this important event. Once we got everyone into the PEP room there was laughter‚ music, dancing, and excitement by the participants and executives. Just seeing that made me feel like I was free from prison. All the negativity that prison brings was gone‚ and all that remained was a brotherhood and a setting where everyone is equal.

Read Full Story Here

New Event Photos

Take a look at the newest images from recent PEP events at the Cleveland Correctional Center. View Pictures Here

Straight from the Inside

Class 12 graduates spent five months preparing for the most exciting two days in PEP – the Business Plan Competition and graduation. After all that preparation, the experience did not disappoint — for participants, executives and families alike. Each week‚ they share their thoughts in weekly journal entries – read an excerpt below and then click through to read the full entry‚ along with an archive from the entire five months.

"Wow! That was crazy! We all went into today with the amount of confidence of a whole Roman army. We walked into those rooms, stood before top-notch, executive panels and knocked their proverbial socks off. I was shocked at how impressed they were."

Read More Journals Here