When people walk into a classroom at York Correctional Institution for Defy Ventures’ entrepreneurship program, they often hear something they haven’t been told before:

We believe in you.

“It’s hard to overstate the impact of those words,” said Andrew Glazier, President and CEO of Defy Ventures. “Many participants have never had someone tell them they’re capable and worthy.”

Defy Ventures works with justice-impacted people—those with criminal histories who often struggle to find employment or support after incarceration. The organization aims to cut the recidivism rate in half by using entrepreneurship education as a catalyst for personal growth, confidence, and opportunity.

“When people enter prison, they often walk away feeling subhuman, believing their mistakes define them forever,” Glazier explained. “We tell them on day one: ‘You’re not an inmate, you’re not a felon—you are an entrepreneur.’”

At York Correctional Institution in Niantic, Defy’s national program teaches career readiness, entrepreneurship, and personal development. But Glazier is clear: the goal isn’t for every graduate to start a business.

It’s about helping participants rewrite their narrative and gain skills that translate into employment after their release.

“When someone believes they have unique gifts to offer, their story shifts from ‘I’m not worth anything’ to ‘I have value and I can contribute,’” said Glazier.

Research shows unemployment is a major driver of recidivism, so Defy focuses heavily on in-custody career preparation including a rigorous curriculum of weekly classes and coaching. The Entrepreneurs in Training create resumés, personal statements, and business ideas. Graduates earn a Certificate from The Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University.

Support continues after release. Graduates receive a Chromebook laptop and are paired with reentry coaches, peer support groups, and assistance navigating housing and employment systems.

Through a Community Foundation grant, Defy has been at York for six years. Their results have been encouraging. Graduates now work in mental health counseling, substance abuse support, and peer mentorship, while others have launched small businesses of their own.

“When you give people the chance to rethink who they are and what’s possible, it dramatically strengthens their ability to succeed in reentry,” Glazier said.

https://www.defyventures.org/