Defy Ventures recently graduated its first Entrepreneurs-in-Training cohort at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP).
In all, 25 SVSP Bravo Yard Entrepreneurs-in-Training earned their completion certificates on June 28. The certificates are awarded by the Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University.
The all-day event featured a three-round “Shark Tank” Business Pitch Competition, followed by a cap-and-gown graduation ceremony.
The program, CEO of Your New Life, is a nine-month personal development, career readiness, and entrepreneurship training program.
The program includes:
- over 1,600 pages of proprietary curriculum content
- instructor-led classes
- peer discussion
- events with executive volunteers
- mentorship and coaching
- creating a resume, personal statement, and business concept plan.
Defy Ventures is a national nonprofit with a vision to cut recidivism rates by leveraging entrepreneurship to increase economic opportunity and transform lives.
These programs help current and formerly incarcerated people by providing pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and successful reentry.
Learn more about Defy Ventures programs at this website.
Submitted by Lt. Wesley Fonseca AA/PIO
Salinas Valley State Prison
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