Freedom begins with education, connection and direction
For more than a decade, we have been equipping currently and formerly incarcerated people with the social capital needed to forge new career pathways.
From incarceration to post-release, we create a throughline of support for people to unlock their own potential.
Employment and social ties are the biggest factors driving success post-incarceration
77M
Incarceration affects 77 million people and their families. One-third of Americans have a criminal record.
43%
Education reduces rates of re-offending. People are 43% less likely to re-offend after completing in-prison education.
33%
It’s difficult to secure a job post-release. 33% of people with a history of conviction cannot find employment.*
$1
Investing in learning benefits all. For every $1 invested into prison-based education, taxpayers save $5.
*It is even more difficult for marginalized groups to secure a job. 35.2% of Black men and 43.6% of Black women with a record are unable to find employment.
We activate the business community to change the narrative around the potential of formerly incarcerated people
Our Partners
Ready to become a business education ally?
Our business and financial education allows your MBA candidates to teach and be taught using our tried and tested solutions.
We handle the logistics so they can focus on education and impact.
Business acumen and practical skills to increase employability.
What is taught
How it’s taught
Dynamic teaching that builds confidence beyond the classroom.
Who teaches
Our dedicated instructors form lasting connections.
Build a career driven by choice, mobility, and growth with our powerful network
Join formerly incarcerated people and their allies on our all-in-one platform. The Resilient Professional Community (RPC) offers courses by leading providers, live events, mentorship, and an engaged professional network.
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From reentry to those who have already progressed in their careers, our programs support your professional development.
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We train business leaders from various industries to be allies, and share expertise, guidance and network with our community.
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We offer private groups for employers who would like to support their formerly incarcerated employees.
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Our higher education in-prison alumni and instructors also have private groups on the RPC with their university’s program.
Fair Chance Business Education Consortium
Researchers, universities, and employers are coming together to redefine the role of business and enhance economic opportunities for people with records.
“At Ascendium, our mission is to remove barriers and create pathways to mobility and success for learners from low-income backgrounds, including those with a history of incarceration.
Our collaboration with Resilience Education is a vital step toward this goal. By expanding access to credit-bearing business, entrepreneurship, and financial-skills courses within prisons, we are not just offering education — we are unlocking real opportunities for meaningful employment after release.”
Molly Lasagna | Senior Program Officer at Ascendium Education Group