Correctional Training Facility (CTF) recently presented 31 men with Defy Ventures Certificates of Entrepreneurship. These certificates are from the Drucker School of Management, Claremont Graduate University. The eight-hour event celebrated their graduation and showcased their business readiness through a Business Pitch Competition.
The entrepreneurs-in-training successfully completed the Your New Life program. The eight-month course, developed by Defy Ventures, encompasses over 1,600 pages of curriculum.
The course covers an extensive range of topics including:
- employment readiness
- personal development and wellness
- comprehensive reentry planning
- and business concepts.
A distinctive feature of the program is the provision of a Chromebook to each graduate upon their release from prison. This further aids their integration into the workforce. The program involved 16 alumni who returned to serve as peer facilitators. These former students, now receiving a Certificate of Recognition from Defy Ventures, played a pivotal role in mentoring the current batch, helping them refine their business pitches.
Defy graduation includes special guests
The event hosted 45 volunteer business leaders from prestigious organizations such as Google, Checkr, JPMorgan Chase, Lyft, and UC Berkeley. Nine family members and friends, along with over 40 internal visitors, attended the event.
The Business Pitch Competition consisted of three rounds. It culminated in the top six participants receiving cash prizes ranging from $50 to $500. An additional $100 awarded to the peer favorite. These rewards will be disbursed upon the participants’ release.
Acting Warden Edward J. Borla attended and spoke at the event. He emphasized the transformative impact of such initiatives. Graduates of the program, equipped with newfound skills and a reshaped mindset, gain credibility with potential employers, significantly enhancing their chances of successful reentry.
Beyond graduation, Defy Ventures extends its support through the Alumni Association programs. This framework includes case management, referrals to essential community resources, connection to pro-social activities, employment assistance, and access to ongoing workshops. The mentoring and coaching from seasoned business professionals and a dedicated support network further ensure that the graduates are not alone in their journey forward.
Story submitted by Lt. Wil Landrum, AA/PIO
Correctional Training Facility
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