Developing Programs

Curriculum: Re-entry Success Through Employment and Entrepreneurship

Program Overview

• Target Audience: Formerly incarcerated individuals preparing for or undergoing re-entry.

• Duration: 8–12 weeks (2–3 sessions per week, 1.5–2 hours per session)

• Goals:

  • Develop practical job readiness skills

  • Instill confidence and self-worth

  • Provide entrepreneurship fundamentals

  • Support the transition into self-sufficiency

???? Week 1: Orientation & Mindset Shift

• Session 1: Welcome & Program Overview

  • Introductions, group guidelines

  • Overview of goals and expectations

• Session 2: Identity & Mindset Rebuilding

  • Discuss trauma, stigma, and personal value

  • Growth mindset development

  • Daily habits for success

???? Week 2: Life Skills for Stability

• Session 3: Time Management & Goal Setting

  • SMART goals, daily planning

  • Building routines and accountability

• Session 4: Financial Literacy (Part 1)

  • Budgeting, saving, understanding bank accounts

  • Needs vs wants, avoiding debt

???? Week 3: Job Readiness (Part 1)

• Session 5: Resume Building

  • How to write a strong resume with a record

  • Addressing employment gaps

• Session 6: Job Searching & Networking

  • Where to find felon-friendly employers

  • Creating a LinkedIn profile, job fairs

???? Week 4: Job Readiness (Part 2)

• Session 7: Interview Skills

  • Mock interviews, dressing for success

  • Answering tough questions (e.g. past conviction)

• Session 8: Professional Communication

  • Email etiquette, phone calls, follow-ups

  • Conflict resolution in the workplace

???? Week 5: Workplace Success

• Session 9: Soft Skills

  • Teamwork, reliability, attitude

  • Problem solving and leadership

• Session 10: Job Retention

  • Showing initiative, dealing with authority

  • Setting yourself up for promotions

???? Week 6: Financial Literacy (Part 2) & Credit Building

• Session 11: Understanding Credit

  • Credit scores, rebuilding credit after incarceration

  • Secured cards, credit-building loans

• Session 12: Avoiding Financial Traps

  • Payday loans, scams, contracts

  • Legal aid resources

???? Week 7: Entrepreneurship (Part 1)

• Session 13: Entrepreneurial Mindset

  • Benefits and risks of entrepreneurship

  • Real stories of formerly incarcerated business owners

• Session 14: Business Ideation & Planning

  • Finding a business idea that fits your skills

  • Creating a simple business plan (Lean Canvas)

???? Week 8: Entrepreneurship (Part 2)

• Session 15: Business Formation Basics

  • Licensing, registration, legal structure (LLC, sole proprietorship)

  • Permits and EINs

• Session 16: Marketing & Sales Fundamentals

  • Social media, word-of-mouth, branding

  • Sales basics, finding customers

???? Week 9: Entrepreneurship (Part 3)

• Session 17: Funding Your Business

  • Bootstrapping, microloans, grants for ex-offenders

  • Crowdfunding and pitch practice

• Session 18: Business Operations & Time Management

  • Managing inventory, invoicing, scheduling

  • Setting prices and managing costs

???? Week 10: Personal Development & Community Support

• Session 19: Mental Health & Self-Care

  • Managing stress, finding purpose

  • Local resources for support

• Session 20: Building a Support Network

  • Mentorship, re-entry services, community involvement

???? Week 11–12: Capstone & Graduation

• Session 21: Job Fair or Business Pitch Day

  • Invite local employers, business leaders

  • Practice elevator pitches and interviews

• Session 22: Graduation & Next Steps

  • Certificates of completion

  • One-on-one career or business action planning

Optional Add-Ons

• Digital Literacy Bootcamp: Email, MS Office, Google Docs, Zoom, basic tech skills

• Apprenticeship/Internship Pipeline: Local partnerships

• Ongoing Mentorship & Coaching: Alumni groups or one-on-one support