As a result of the Raj Chetty study and the resulting Leading on Opportunity report, City Startup Labs began rethinking traditional workforce development of the formerly incarcerated or returning citizens. We wanted to build entrepreneurial and technical capabilities and capacity that is deeply connected with community. We imagine that this can scale into a value that balances both economic and social returns.
So, in 2018-19, CSL designed a new initiative, the ReEntry Entrepreneurship Program (REEP) as a pilot, to provide entrepreneurial education and training.