Section 1: Executive Summary
The A.R.I.S.E. Re-Entry Institute is a transformational program that turns formerly incarcerated adults into creative entrepreneurs—not job-seekers, but business owners operating sustainable multimedia companies. We recognize that success in the creative industries requires not just technical skills, but comprehensive understanding of the entire ecosystem: all available jobs, multiple revenue streams, industry platforms, professional organizations, and pathways to sustainable income.
Comprehensive Approach: Technical Excellence + Industry Knowledge
We don't give away equipment or create dependency on employment. We create ownership: graduates form LLCs, manage their own creative services business, and access professional-grade equipment through A.R.I.S.E. Alumni Collective. Critically, we pair intensive 14-week live instruction with five comprehensive training manuals (500+ pages total) covering the complete creative industries landscape—every job, every revenue stream, every platform, every union, every decision a creative entrepreneur needs to make. This shows funders we're thinking about the whole picture.
At a Glance
| Program Duration | 14 weeks (post-release); 8 weeks pre-release (prison partnership, optional) |
| Cohort Size | 20 participants/year (two 10-person cohorts) |
| Contact Hours (Live Instruction) | 126 total (90 technical + 36 business/mentorship) |
| Self-Directed Learning (via Manuals) | 60–80 hours (reading, exploration, interviews, case studies) |
| Core Curriculum | Audio/Music Production OR Cinematography/Filmmaking + Business Formation + Comprehensive Industry Knowledge |
| Completion Model | Graduation at 80+ sessions attended + capstone project + LLC formation + industry knowledge assessments |
| Post-Graduation Engagement | 12-month placement in A.R.I.S.E. Alumni Collective (15% → 10% commission, then independent) |
| Annual Budget | $537,500–$548,000 (includes $31.5K–$42K for manual production Year 1) |
| Cost Per Participant | $26,875–$27,400 (comprehensive ecosystem investment) |
Why This Matters
68% of people released from state prison are re-arrested within three years. Yet research shows that formerly incarcerated individuals who participate in sustained creative programming, mentorship, and business ownership models experience recidivism rates below 5%. This is not rehabilitation theory—this is proven economics and psychology. The A.R.I.S.E. model combines all three, and backs it up with comprehensive documentation of industry pathways so graduates understand not just how to produce, but how to monetize, legally operate, and sustain long-term creative careers.
Section 2: The Problem & Opportunity
The Reentry Crisis
Every year, over 400,000 people are released from state and federal prisons. Over 95% return to their communities, yet face insurmountable barriers: Unemployment rates reach 27%—triple the national average. Housing instability affects 2%—10 times the general population rate. Wage suppression means even employed formerly incarcerated people earn 10–20% less than peers. Most reentry programs see 40–50% dropout rates, and those who quit see recidivism rates 2–3x higher than non-participants.
Why Traditional Reentry Fails
Job training programs teach you to be an employee. They leave participants dependent on employers, vulnerable to discrimination, and rarely earning living wages. When the economic situation becomes desperate, the return to crime becomes rational. The A.R.I.S.E. model flips this: We teach you to be a business owner. You build your creative services company during the program. You control pricing, quality, and client relationships. You own the asset (your LLC) from day one.
The Creative Entrepreneurship Advantage
Unlike traditional job training, creative skills have unique properties: Low barriers to entry (a laptop and audio interface can generate thousands per month); Scalable income (one video project pays $800–$1,500); Portfolio-driven hiring (clients judge you by your output, not your record); Community-building (creative work attracts collaborators, peers, and mentors naturally).
Section 3: Core Model — Equipment Library + Booking Platform
The A.R.I.S.E. model operates on three pillars: Create | Launch | Sustain.
Pillar 1: Create (Weeks 1–8)
Participants develop technical mastery and complete a capstone project demonstrating professional-level work in their chosen track. Instruction is hands-on, trauma-informed, and peer-supported.
Pillar 2: Launch (Weeks 8–14)
Participants form an LLC, develop their business brand, learn sales and marketing, execute their first client project through A.R.I.S.E. Alumni Collective, and complete comprehensive industry knowledge assessments. They graduate with a registered business, active portfolio, and documented understanding of career pathways.
Pillar 3: Sustain (Months 1–12 post-graduation)
Graduates remain in A.R.I.S.E. Alumni Collective for 12 months, with KRE8ivU serving as booking agent and equipment provider. They pay commission (15% months 1–6, then 10% months 7–12) and access professional equipment free. After 12 months, they operate independently and can rent equipment at alumni rates.
Key Differentiation: Equipment Library, Not Giveaway
Instead of distributing $3,000–$5,500 per graduate in equipment, we maintain a shared inventory of professional-grade gear. Graduates access this library whenever booked for a job. This solves three problems: (1) Equipment is actively used and generating revenue, not sitting in basements. (2) We maintain quality and security. (3) We create ongoing jobs: Equipment Coordinators emerge from the alumni base as the model scales.
Section 4: Participant Support Structure
Reentry is not a solitary journey. The A.R.I.S.E. model wraps participants in transparent, trauma-informed support from day one.
Three-Pillar Support Infrastructure
Certified Peer Support
Certified Peer Support Specialists from Fathers on the Move serve as the backbone of emotional support and reentry navigation. These are formerly incarcerated mentors with federal prison authorization and formal training.
Responsibilities: Daily grounding circles, one-on-one check-ins, accountability partnerships, crisis de-escalation, housing/parole/family navigation, celebrating wins, normalizing setbacks.
Staffing: 2 full-time specialists, $40,000–$45,000/year each
Clinical Mental Health
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) provides therapeutic support and crisis response.
Scope: Monthly group facilitation (2–3 hours/month), trauma processing, reentry-specific mental health curriculum development, staff consultation, crisis availability (24-hour referral pathway via 988).
Staffing: Contract ($18,000–$25,000/year, ~8–10 hours/month)
Technical Instruction
Industry Mentors (one per track) provide bi-weekly technical mentoring, first-job referrals, and portfolio feedback.
Scope: 2 hours/week, feedback on capstone projects, real-world problem-solving, industry connections.
Staffing: 2 part-time contract mentors ($6,000–$8,000/year each)
Financial Support: Three-Tier Stipend Model
| Tier | When | Amount | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attendance Stipend | Weeks 1–5 | $150/month ($50/session) | Consistent attendance + engagement |
| Milestone Stipend | Weeks 6–10 | $100/month | Complete L.A.U.N.C.H. modules |
| Employment Bridge | Months 2–6 post-grad | $100/month | Stay active in Alumni Collective |
Total per participant: $1,650/year. Paid weekly for immediate reinforcement.
Section 5: Curriculum & Comprehensive Knowledge Ecosystem
The A.R.I.S.E. curriculum operates on a dual-track model: intensive live instruction (14 weeks, 126 contact hours) anchored by self-directed learning through five professional training manuals (500+ pages). This approach ensures graduates leave with both technical mastery AND comprehensive understanding of the entire creative industries landscape.
Why This Structure?
We can't teach 200+ different jobs in 14 weeks. But we can teach technical excellence and business fundamentals live, then empower graduates with reference materials providing lifetime career guidance. This model maximizes live instruction time for hands-on skills (the irreplaceable parts), provides breadth through manuals documenting every career pathway and revenue stream, creates living documents updated annually as industry changes, and demonstrates comprehensive thinking to funders—we're building an entire knowledge ecosystem.
14-Week Live Instruction Structure
| Week(s) | Focus | Live Hours | Self-Directed/Manuals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Digital Bridge + Foundation | 9 hrs | Job Map overview, industry intro |
| 3–5 | Technical Fundamentals | 27 hrs | Industry standards, day rates, equipment needs |
| 6 | Advanced Skills + Industry Context | 9 hrs | Research professional case studies |
| 7–9 | L.A.U.N.C.H. + Capstone Prep | 27 hrs | Pricing, sales, getting paid modules |
| 10–11 | L.A.U.N.C.H. + First Client Work | 18 hrs | Freelance platforms, unions, legal basics |
| 12–14 | Capstone + Portfolio Launch | 9 hrs | Contracts, legal review, next steps |
L.A.U.N.C.H. Business Curriculum (Integrated Throughout)
Module 1: Business Formation — LLC registration, EIN, bank account, liability protection. Module 2: Brand Development — Logo, website, portfolio, social media. Module 3: Pricing & Sales — Market research, invoicing, pitch scripts, handling objections. Module 4: Marketing & Outreach — LinkedIn, email campaigns, referrals, testimonials. Module 5: Taxes & Bookkeeping — Self-employment tax, Wave/QuickBooks, CPA referrals.
Industry Knowledge Integration
Throughout the program, live instruction pairs with manual-based learning. Students read "The Job Map" section on Audio Engineers, understand salary scales and union requirements, then discuss specialization in mentorship sessions. This creates context for technical learning—students understand not just how to do something, but why it matters economically.
Session Scoring & Attendance
Each session is scored 1–5 based on participation, technical progress, and collaboration. Participants need 80+ scores and 17+ sessions attended (out of 30) to graduate.
Section 6: Training Manuals & Self-Directed Learning Ecosystem
The five professional training manuals are the cornerstone of our comprehensive approach. They transform the program from "14-week course" into "lifetime career reference system." Graduates leave with printed books they keep forever, plus digital versions accessible throughout their careers.
The Five Comprehensive Manuals
Manual 1: "The Creative Industries Job Map" (120–150 pages)
Every job that exists in audio/video/media. For each: what they do, what they earn (union and non-union rates by market), how to get there, equipment needed, union affiliation if applicable, career trajectory, real-world case studies. Includes 25+ audio roles, 30+ video/film roles, 10+ hybrid/creative leadership roles, and career decision trees.
Manual 2: "Freelance Work & Gig Platforms" (80–100 pages)
Complete guide to Upwork, Fiverr, 99designs, Pond5, AudioJungle, Splice, Shutterstock, Behance, ArtStation. For each platform: how it works, income potential, scam warnings, profile building, pricing strategy, contract negotiation. Section on tax/1099 tracking for freelancers. Case studies of people who built sustainable income via gigs.
Manual 3: "Getting Paid: Royalties, Residuals & Rights" (100–120 pages)
Complete breakdown of all money streams: PROs & Performance Royalties (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC). Mechanical Royalties & Distribution. Sync Licensing. Streaming Platforms (realistic income numbers). YouTube Monetization. Publishing & Ownership. Tax implications. Case studies with real numbers.
Manual 4: "Unions, Guilds & Professional Organizations" (60–80 pages)
Comprehensive guide to SAG-AFTRA, AFM, IATSE, DGA, WGA, AGMA, Actors' Equity, Dramatists Guild. For each: what it is, who joins, benefits, costs, how to join, when it makes sense. Decision tree: "Should I join a union?" International unions. Professional organizations for networking.
Manual 5: "Copyright, Contracts & Legal Basics" (70–80 pages)
Copyright fundamentals. Work-for-hire agreements. Licensing agreements (with templates). NDAs. Collaboration agreements. Sampling & clearances. Avoiding common legal mistakes. When to hire an entertainment lawyer. Resources for sliding-scale legal help and attorney referrals.
Manual Production Timeline & Investment
| Phase | Timeline | Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Research & Content Development | Months 1–5 | $8,000–$10,000 |
| Professional Design & Layout | Months 5–6 | $5,000–$7,000 |
| Copy Editing & Proofreading | Month 6 | $2,000–$3,000 |
| Illustrations & Diagrams | Months 5–6 | $2,000–$3,000 |
| Initial Printing (500 sets × 5 manuals) | Month 7 | $8,000–$12,000 |
| Digital Production (PDFs, hosting) | Month 7 | $1,500–$2,000 |
| Year 1 Total (Initial Production) | $26,500–$37,000 | |
| Year 2+ (Annual Updates) | $3,000–$4,000 |
Strategic Value to Funders
Investing in professional manuals demonstrates strategic thinking: Sustainability — Graduates need lifetime guidance. Complexity — We're mapping the entire creative industries landscape. Flexibility — Living documents updated annually are better than static curriculum. Scalability — Manuals become assets for licensing/partnership revenue (Year 3+).
Section 7: Expected Skills & Outcomes
Technical Competencies (Track-Specific)
Audio & Music Production Graduates Can:
- Record, mix, and master professional-quality audio
- Edit and produce podcast episodes with commercial-ready sound design
- Produce original music or beats for licensing/sale
- Troubleshoot audio equipment independently
- Price services accurately and invoice clients
Cinematography & Filmmaking Graduates Can:
- Operate professional cinema cameras and lighting rigs
- Plan and execute multi-camera shoots with professional shot lists
- Edit, color-grade, and deliver broadcast-quality video
- Direct talent and manage production logistics
- Price and manage video production contracts
Business Competencies (All Tracks)
- Entrepreneurship: Register and operate an LLC; understand liability and tax obligations
- Sales & Marketing: Price services, pitch to clients, handle objections, ask for referrals
- Portfolio Development: Build and maintain professional portfolio; articulate what makes their work distinctive
- Financial Literacy: Track income/expenses, understand self-employment taxes, manage business cash flow
- Industry Knowledge: Understand available jobs, revenue streams, platforms, unions, legal structures, career pathways
- Resilience & Communication: Navigate difficult client conversations; respond to rejection; maintain professionalism under pressure
Program-Level Outcomes (Pilot Year)
| Metric | Target | Why This Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Program Completion Rate | 85%+ (17/20) | Attrition is a leading indicator of recidivism risk |
| LLC Formation Rate | 90%+ (15/17) | Business ownership is the goal |
| First Client Placement | 80%+ (13/17) | Demonstrates market viability and immediate income |
| Post-Graduation Employment | 70%+ (12/17) at 6 months | Sustained income is the recidivism hedge |
| Alumni Collective Retention | 50%+ at 12 months | Long-term economic stability is the ultimate measure |
| Recidivism Rate (3-year follow-up) | <10% (target; baseline is 60%) | The ultimate outcome measure |
Section 8: Equipment & Technical Resources
Professional-grade equipment library, not individual asset distribution. This ensures active use, quality maintenance, and creates ongoing employment for alumni.
Equipment Library Inventory
Track A: Audio & Music Production ($45,000)
- 3 × Complete DAW setups (Logic Pro, Mac laptops, professional audio interfaces, studio monitors)
- 5 × Professional microphones (Shure SM7B, Neumann U87, condenser mics)
- 3 × Professional audio interfaces (RME Babyface, Universal Audio Apollo)
- Complete mixing/monitoring suite (studio monitors, headphones, acoustic treatment)
- Microphone stands, cables, pop filters, XLR infrastructure
Track B: Cinematography & Filmmaking ($65,000)
- 3–4 × Cinema cameras (Sony FX30 or equivalent, 4K RAW capable)
- Professional lighting kit (Aputure, Neewer, Nanlite LED systems)
- Tripods, sliders, gimbals, stabilization equipment
- Lenses (prime and zoom sets)
- Color grading suite (DaVinci Resolve Studio, 2 × professional editing workstations)
- Sound equipment (boom operators kit, wireless mics, mixers)
- Drone (optional, DJI Matrice or equivalent)
Equipment Management
Checkout System: Equipment tracked, insured, returned within 24 hours of job completion. Each graduate knows: "When booked for a job through our platform, we'll have your camera/microphones/lights ready to go."
Equipment Coordinator Role: As program scales, peer mentors transition into Equipment Coordinator roles, managing inventory, maintenance, and tracking. This creates career pathways for alumni.
Section 9: Mental Health Services
Mental health support is foundational to reentry. Participants navigate trauma, identity reconstruction, and often substance use recovery. The A.R.I.S.E. mental health model is integrated, trauma-informed, and responsive—meeting people where they are with no fear of surveillance or punishment.
Our Integrated Wraparound Support Model
We deploy three interconnected pillars to normalize mental health and build resilience:
Peer Support (Daily)
Certified Peer Support Specialists provide daily grounding and check-ins, creating consistent accountability and connection.
Clinical Support (Weekly + On-Call)
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) or Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) facilitate twice-monthly therapeutic groups and provide 24-hour crisis access.
Instructional Support (Embedded)
Mental health-informed curriculum is woven into business and professional modules, normalizing emotional regulation alongside professional development.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) / Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Scope
Hours & Budget: 8–10 hours/month | ~$18,000–$25,000/year contract
Monthly Group Facilitation (2–3 hours)
- Twice-monthly 90-minute therapeutic groups integrating:
- Narrative therapy and Polyvagal-informed interventions
- Somatic experiencing and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills training
- Strength-based, adaptive coping approaches
- Focus areas: Emotional regulation, nervous system stabilization, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, mindfulness, self-awareness
Crisis Response & Consultation (2–3 hours/month)
- On-call via email/phone (response within 24 hours)
- Supports peer professionals and direct staff navigating client crises
- Bridges to 988 or mobile crisis teams when needed
Staff Consultation (1 hour/week + Monthly Case Consults)
- Weekly team meetings to discuss mental health trends and support strategies
- Monthly case consultations for program progress and difficult cases
Curriculum Development (1–2 hours/month)
- Co-develop reentry-specific mental health modules for professional training programs
72-Hour Crisis Protocol
When a participant experiences suicidal ideation, acute substance use, or severe mental health crisis:
1. Immediate (0–2 hours): Peer Mentor de-escalates and assesses safety. If high risk, call 988 and follow up with the clinician for guidance.
2. Within 24 hours: LCSW/LCMHC conducts follow-up, coordinating with the parole officer and existing providers (with participant consent for information sharing).
3. Within 72 hours: Program Coordinator develops a reengagement plan. Participants are never removed unless they choose to exit.
4. Documentation: Incident documented with consent for information sharing.
Crisis Support Resources
24-Hour National Resources
- Call or Text 988 (Support offered in Spanish and English) — 988lifeline.org
- The Hope Line: 877-235-4525 — hopeline-nc.org
Mobile Crisis Teams — Eastern NC
(Serves counties including Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Craven, Jones, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender)
- RHA Health Services (MCM East): 1-844-709-4097
- Integrated Family Services, PLLC: 1-866-437-1821
- Easterseals PORT Health: 1-866-241-7245
- Daymark Mobile Crisis: 1-866-275-9552
- Southeastern Integrated Care (SEIC): 910-593-7749
Mobile Crisis Teams — Western NC
(Serves 11 Western NC counties)
- RHA Health Services West: 1-888-573-1006
- Appalachian Community Services (ACS): 1-888-315-2880
- Vaya Health (Behavioral Health Crisis Line): 1-800-849-6127
- Catawba Valley Healthcare: 1-828-695-2511
Philosophy: Support, Not Surveillance
We are not police. We do not report to parole officers unless a participant is in immediate danger to themselves or others—and even then, we coordinate rather than punish. Our role is to provide a container where people can be honest about their struggles and receive help without fear of consequences.
Section 10: Participant Selection & Intake
Eligibility Criteria
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 18+ (no upper limit) |
| Status | Released within past 6 months OR in final 6 months of incarceration (prison partnership) |
| Referral Source | Probation/parole officer, reentry agency, correctional facility, housing program, court-appointed reentry services |
| Commitment | Agreement to attend all sessions (with excused absences for emergencies) and complete capstone project |
| Transportation | Safe and reliable access to program location (we provide transportation vouchers if needed) |
| Other | No exclusions based on offense type, substance use history, or mental health status. All backgrounds welcome. |
Intake Process
Step 1: Referral — Probation officer or reentry agency submits referral with demographics. Step 2: Intake Interview — Program Coordinator conducts 45-minute interview covering reentry history, housing, family support, mental health/substance use history, creative interests, transportation. Step 3: Track Selection — Participant indicates preference: Audio or Cinematography. Step 4: Informed Consent — Participant reviews program agreement, stipends, equipment liability, mental health protocols, mandatory reporting. Step 5: Enrollment — Participant assigned to next cohort.
Asset-Based Assessment
During intake, we document not just barriers but assets: prior work experience, creative interests, family support, technical skills, transportation resources, housing stability. This shapes mentorship allocation—unstable housing gets priority for emergency funds; strong family support gets family engagement modules.
Section 11: Financial Model & Sustainability
The A.R.I.S.E. financial model combines grant funding (operations), stipends (participant support), and earned revenue (equipment rental + booking commissions) to create a path toward sustainability.
Revenue Streams
1. Grant Funding (Primary Year 1–2)
- Second Chance Act (DOJ)
- SAMHSA Offender Reentry
- NC Workforce Development Board (NCWorks)
- NCDPS Reentry Grants
- JCPC (through existing partnerships)
- Foundation funding (private and family foundations)
2. A.R.I.S.E. Alumni Collective Commissions (Year 1+)
- Months 1–6 (or first 6 jobs): 15% commission on gross project revenue
- Months 7–12: 10% commission on gross project revenue
- After 12 months: Graduate goes independent; we retain 0%
Projected Year 1 Commission Revenue: $8,000–$15,000
3. Equipment Rental Revenue (Year 2+)
Alumni and external clients rent equipment at below-market rates. Projected Year 2–3 Revenue: $3,000–$8,000/year
4. Licensing & Scaling Model (Year 3+)
As A.R.I.S.E. proves outcomes, we can license the curriculum, manuals, and operational model to other reentry agencies, YMCAs, workforce boards, and community colleges. Licensing revenue creates long-term sustainability.
Break-Even Analysis
- Year 1: 100% grant-funded (pilot phase)
- Year 2–3: 80–85% grant, 15–20% earned revenue
- Year 4+: 65–75% grant, 25–35% earned revenue + licensing
Transparency: What Participants Pay Back
Unlike exploitative programs that take 30–50% of earnings, A.R.I.S.E. commissions are transparent and time-limited. "For the first 6 months, we take 15%—that's our compensation for connecting you to work and lending equipment. After that, you own your business." After 12 months, they're completely independent. Fair, transparent, creating natural incentive for us to place high-quality work.
Section 12: Budget & Annual Costs (Comprehensive Ecosystem)
The Year 1 budget reflects full operational setup for 2 cohorts (20 participants), including strategic investment in professional training manual production—demonstrating comprehensive thinking about graduate success.
Personnel Budget
| Position | FTE | Year 1 Salary | Year 2+ Salary | Year 1 Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Director/Coordinator | 1.0 | $95,000 | $110,000 | $95,000 |
| Certified Peer Support Specialist (FotM) | 2.0 | $42,000 each | $42,000 each | $84,000 |
| Technical Instructor (Audio) | 0.5 | $30,000 FTE | $30,000 FTE | $15,000 |
| Technical Instructor (Video) | 0.5 | $30,000 FTE | $30,000 FTE | $15,000 |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (contract) | ~0.3 | Per-hour contract | Per-hour contract | $22,000 |
| Industry Mentor (Audio, contract) | ~0.1 | Per-hour contract | Per-hour contract | $7,000 |
| Industry Mentor (Video, contract) | ~0.1 | Per-hour contract | Per-hour contract | $7,000 |
| Personnel Subtotal | $245,000 |
Participant Stipends
| Stipend Type | Per Participant | No. Participants | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attendance + Milestone + Employment Bridge | $1,650 | 20 | $33,000 |
Program Operations
| Expense Category | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Facility lease (studio space, classroom, offices) | $36,000 |
| Utilities, insurance, maintenance | $12,000 |
| Transportation (participant vouchers) | $6,000 |
| Meals during sessions (lunch 3x/week) | $8,000 |
| Materials, supplies, printing | $4,000 |
| Software licenses (Zoom, project management, accounting) | $3,000 |
| Professional liability and property insurance | $5,000 |
| Marketing, outreach, recruitment | $4,000 |
| Operations Subtotal | $78,000 |
Equipment & Technology
| Category | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Production Equipment Library | $45,000 | Professional-grade DAW setups, mics, interfaces, monitoring |
| Cinematography Equipment Library | $65,000 | Cinema cameras, lighting, lenses, color grading suite, drone |
| Software Licenses (Logic Pro, DaVinci, Adobe, etc.) | $8,000 | Annual subscription costs |
| Studio Setup & Infrastructure | $8,000 | Desks, chairs, networking, cable runs, acoustic treatment |
| Graduate Laptop Giveaway (20 × MacBook Air M2) | $24,000 | $1,200 per graduate: Graduation credential + portability for remote work |
| Equipment & Technology Subtotal | $150,000 |
Curriculum Resources & Professional Manual Publishing
| Category | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Research & Content Development | $8,000–$10,000 | SME interviews, data gathering, case studies, rates research |
| Professional Design & Layout | $5,000–$7,000 | InDesign, professional typography, KRE8ivU branding |
| Copy Editing & Proofreading | $2,000–$3,000 | Grammar, accuracy, style consistency |
| Illustrations & Diagrams | $2,000–$3,000 | Career trees, flowcharts, templates, visual aids |
| Initial Printing (500 sets × 5 manuals) | $8,000–$12,000 | Full-color, professional binding, 100+ pages per manual |
| Digital Asset Production (PDFs, hosting) | $1,500–$2,000 | Searchable PDFs, cloud storage, download portal |
| Publishing Subtotal (Year 1) | $26,500–$37,000 |
Complete Budget Summary (Year 1)
| Category | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Personnel | $245,000 |
| Participant Stipends | $33,000 |
| Program Operations | $78,000 |
| Equipment & Technology | $150,000 |
| Curriculum & Manual Publishing (Year 1) | $26,500–$37,000 |
| TOTAL YEAR 1 BUDGET | $532,500–$543,000 |
Cost Per Participant: $532,500–$543,000 ÷ 20 = $26,625–$27,150 per participant
With earned revenue (commissions $8K–$15K + rental $2K–$5K): Net Year 1 cost = $512,500–$528K. Cost per participant: $25,625–$26,400 (grant-funded)
Salary Progression
Program Director: Year 1 = $95,000 (mission-driven pilot phase demonstrating commitment to program excellence). Year 2+ = $110,000 (reflecting program expansion to 3–4 cohorts and proven outcome data). Annual updates tied to demonstrated success.
Year 2 Budget (Scaling to 3–4 Cohorts)
Fixed costs (facility, insurance, management) remain stable. Participant-variable costs (stipends, laptops, materials) scale linearly. Manual updates become maintenance ($3K–$4K). Equipment depreciation ($8K–$12K). Projected Year 2 budget: $640K–$680K for 40–50 participants = $16,000–$17,000 cost per participant with earned revenue growth to $40K–$60K.
Section 13: Assessment & Evaluation
We measure what matters: skill mastery, business formation, income generation, and long-term reintegration success.
Formative Assessment (During Program)
- Session Scoring: Each session scored 1–5 on participation, technical progress, collaboration. Tracked bi-weekly in mentorship.
- Technical Rubrics: Audio/Music: Recording, Mixing, Mastering, Podcast Editing (scored 1–5 across 14 weeks). Cinematography: Camera Op, Lighting, Grading, Editing.
- Business Formation Checklist: LLC registered, EIN obtained, bank account opened, logo created, website live, social media active, invoice template created, market research completed, pitch rehearsed.
Summative Assessment (Graduation)
- Capstone Project: Final technical work evaluated on technical quality, creativity, storytelling, production value. Scored by instructor + industry mentor. Threshold: 3/5 to graduate.
- First Client Project: Completed at least 1 paid project during program or within 3 months of graduation. Evidence: client invoice, portfolio piece, professionalism feedback.
Post-Graduation Outcome Tracking (6–12 Months)
| Metric | Measurement | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Sustained self-employment (6 months) | Participant survey + LLC bank records | 50%+ |
| Monthly income from creative work | Participant self-report + 1099 data | $800+/month median |
| Housing stability | Quarterly check-in | 90%+ stable housing |
| Family connection/engagement | Participant survey + peer mentor feedback | 70%+ strengthened relationships |
| Substance use relapse | Incident reporting, peer mentor observation | <15% relapse |
| Program satisfaction | Confidential post-graduation survey | 85%+ very satisfied |
| Recidivism (3-year follow-up) | NCDPS records, participant contact | <10% re-arrest |
Data Protection & Continuous Improvement
Data collected includes attendance, session scores, capstone evaluation, business completion, income (self-reported or 1099), housing, family connection, satisfaction. Storage is encrypted with limited staff access. Annual aggregate reports for funders (no identifying info). We review data quarterly to assess completion rates, business formation, struggling participants, curriculum refinement, and staff support.
Section 14: Implementation Timeline
The A.R.I.S.E. pilot launches in phases, with strategic partnerships and funding secured before participant enrollment.
Pre-Launch Phase (Months 1–3)
Month 1: Facility secured — Lease or MOU signed for studio space with offices, classroom, secure equipment storage. Fathers on the Move partnership formalized — Hire 2 Certified Peer Support Specialists.
Month 2: Mental health professional contracted — LCSW/LPC engaged; scope and schedule finalized. Grant applications submitted — Second Chance Act, SAMHSA, NCWorks, JCPC applications. Equipment ordered — Audio and cinematography kits purchased, studio setup begins.
Month 2–3: Manual production begins — Research, interviews, content development for 5 comprehensive manuals.
Month 3: Curriculum finalized — All L.A.U.N.C.H. modules, rubrics, materials completed. Instructors hired — Full-time or contract instructors for Audio and Cinematography confirmed.
Pilot Launch Phase (Months 3–4)
Month 3: Funding secured — At least 60% of Year 1 budget committed or awarded. Referral partnerships activated — Probation offices, reentry agencies briefed; referral forms live.
Month 4: Intake begins (Cohort 1) — Applications reviewed, intake interviews conducted, 10 participants selected. Manual design & layout phase — Professional design work underway; ready for review by Month 6.
Program Delivery Phase (Months 4–7+)
Month 4: Cohort 1 Orientation & Week 1 — Digital Bridge, welcome, skill assessments, L.A.U.N.C.H. module 1.
Months 4–7: Cohort 1: 14-Week Program — Technical instruction, capstone prep, business formation, first client work.
Month 6: Manuals completed for review — Design, editing, illustrations all done; ready for Cohort 1 Week 8 distribution.
Month 7: Cohort 1 Graduation & Showcase — Capstone presentations, LLC certificates, manual distribution, celebrations. Cohort 2 Intake begins — 10 new participants recruited, baseline assessments, orientation scheduled.
Months 7–19: Cohort 1 Alumni Collective engagement (12 months post-graduation) — Booking placements, commission collection, equipment rental.
Months 8–11: Cohort 2: 14-Week Program — Same structure as Cohort 1.
Year 2 Scaling Phase (Months 13+)
Month 12: Year 1 Evaluation complete — Data analyzed, results reported, adjustments planned. Manuals updated for Year 2 — Industry rates, platforms, opportunities refreshed.
Months 13–15: Prison partnership expansion — Pre-release curriculum formalized in 2–3 NC correctional facilities.
Month 13+: Scaling to 3–4 cohorts/year — Hire Equipment Coordinator, Booking Coordinator, additional instructor.
Months 13–18: Licensing model development — Package curriculum, manuals, operational model for other organizations.
Section 15: Funding & Sustainability Path
The A.R.I.S.E. Re-Entry Institute is designed to be grant-funded in Year 1, with earned revenue and licensing creating sustainability by Year 3+.
Grant Funding Opportunities
| Grant Source | Funder Type | Eligible Uses | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Chance Act Community-Based Reentry Program | Federal (DOJ/BJA) | Program operations, personnel, equipment, participant services | $200K–$500K |
| SAMHSA Offender Reentry Program | Federal (SAMHSA) | Navigator, mental health services, substance use support, employment services | $50K–$150K |
| NCWorks / WIOA | State (NC Workforce Board) | Equipment as workforce training, operations, personnel | $50K–$100K |
| NCDPS Reentry Grants | State (NC DPS) | Program operations, reentry-specific services, evaluation | $25K–$75K |
| JCPC Adult Programming Expansion | State (via existing relationships) | Expanding A.R.I.S.E. to new counties, additional cohorts | $30K–$90K |
| Private Foundations | Private | General operations, equipment, innovation/pilot funding | $50K–$200K |
| Corporate CSR / Equipment Grants | Corporate (Sony, Adobe, DaVinci) | In-kind software, camera equipment, audio gear | $5K–$50K in-kind |
Sustainability Roadmap
Year 1: 100% Grant-Funded (Pilot) — Focus on pilot execution, data collection, outcome documentation. Primary funding from Second Chance Act or state JCPC/reentry sources.
Year 2–3: 75–80% Grant, 20–25% Earned Revenue — Commission revenue ($15K–$35K), equipment rental ($2K–$8K), early-stage licensing ($0–$5K)
Year 4+: 60–65% Grant, 35–40% Earned Revenue + Licensing — Commission + rental growing, licensing partnerships with 2–3 organizations generating $20K–$50K annually
Section 16: Partnerships & The Ask
A.R.I.S.E. works because it is built on partnership. We invite funders, reentry agencies, and employers to co-create an ecosystem where formerly incarcerated people own their creative futures.
Partnership Opportunities
Funders & Grantmakers
Strategic Investment: Fund a pilot year that proves model, generates outcome data, and positions A.R.I.S.E. for national replication. Your investment creates replicable, scalable programming that other organizations can license. This is not just a local program—it's a model with statewide and national potential.
Referral Partners
Reentry Agencies & Probation: Refer justice-involved adults who want to build creative careers. We handle intake, instruction, mentorship, 12-month post-graduation support. No cost to your agency. Your clients gain a business credential, immediate income, and reduced recidivism risk.
Employer Partners
Booking & Hiring: Partner with A.R.I.S.E. Alumni Collective for on-demand creative services. Hire graduates for full-time or project-based work. Access a talent pipeline of skilled, motivated professionals who bring perspective to your team.
The Ask
We are asking for partnership in three ways:
- Funding: $532,500–$543,000 Year 1 (operations, personnel, equipment, participant support for 20 participants across 2 cohorts, professional manual production)
- Referrals: Justice-involved adults within 6 months of release or in final 6 months of incarceration who want to build creative careers
- Client bookings: Organizations that need creative services (video, audio, music production) at fair market rates, with revenue flowing back to our graduates' businesses
We Believe
We believe that every person deserves a second act. The A.R.I.S.E. Re-Entry Institute is the stage.
A Final Word
This is not a charity pitch. This is an investment in human potential, economic stability, and public safety. Every program component is tested. Every dollar is tracked. Every participant outcome is measured. We are transparent, accountable, and outcomes-focused. Formerly incarcerated people don't need handouts—they need real opportunity. And they're ready to create it.