We often talk about how entrepreneurship can be a path forward for communities that have fallen on hard times--how we can create sustainable growth that can regenerate cities with high unemployment rates and struggling economies. It is heartwarming to see efforts to apply this same idea to help individuals with criminal histories. Unfortunately individuals with a criminal past often see unemployment rates exponentially higher than the average American--far exceeding anything even experience din the Great Depression. Entrepreneurship offers an opportunity to change recidivism by emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment.
Defy Colorado is a nonprofit organization that helps individuals with criminal histories — who they call Entrepreneurs in Training — create legal business ventures outside of prison. Within a growing network of three Colorado prisons, Defy runs a rigorous eight-month program focusing on reentry planning, employment readiness, entrepreneurship and character development, culminating in a Shark Tank-style pitch competition. Operating in concert with the Department of Corrections, Defy is demonstrating a model to reduce recidivism that emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment.
https://www.techstars.com/content/diversity/supporting-entrepreneurs-wherever-including-prison/
unknownx500
/Passle/5dc1896e8cb6240888194e3d/SearchServiceImages/2024-07-17-23-19-08-045-6698516c0752df56d2453486.jpg)
