The 14th National Conference on Higher Education in Prison

A New Era? Pell Reinstatement and the Future of Prison Education

The Alliance for Higher Education in Prison is thrilled to announce the 14th annual National Conference on Higher Education in Prison (NCHEP), which will center around the theme, “A New Era? Pell Reinstatement and the Future of Prison Education.” The conference will take place on April 10-11, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Location

Holding NCHEP 14 in New Orleans carries profound historical significance. New Orleans, with its deep roots in resilience and cultural renaissance, stands as a symbol of transformation and renewal—values that resonate deeply with the mission of prison education. As a city that has witnessed both the injustices of the past and the power of community-led change, New Orleans provides a meaningful backdrop for discussions on education as a tool for liberation and empowerment. The city’s rich history of community-driven systems change and its ongoing struggle for justice make it an ideal location to consider how education can serve as a pathway to freedom, even within the walls of prison. 

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Topics

This conference arrives at a defining juncture with the reinstatement of Pell Grants for incarcerated learners. As a field, we have a unique opportunity to play a significant role in shaping quality education within and beyond the walls of our nation’s prisons. With Pell reinstatement, a lot has changed, and a lot has yet to come. At NCHEP 14, we will examine how Pell has and will continue to influence the evolution of higher education in prison (HEP) while also considering the aspects of the field that have remained consistent. This event is more than a gathering—it’s a catalyst for change, positioned to actively and collaboratively mold the next chapter of HEP to be as successful, informed, and pragmatic as possible. 

Based on a survey we conducted with the field earlier this year, we identified the topics that the community most wanted to explore at NCHEP 14. Guided by this invaluable feedback, the content of the conference will address the most pressing issues in the HEP space. Attendees can look forward to in-depth discussions on:

• how to navigate the complexities of Pell reinstatement, including accreditation, program budgets, and effective tracking and reporting methods
• the emerging integration of technology to enhance educational access within prisons, such as internet access, Zoom, and virtual classrooms
• the critical role of student voice in program design, ensuring that the best interests of students remain at the forefront
• the challenges and opportunities of remote internships, fellowships, practicums, and fair-wage career pathways during incarceration
• how to maintain healthy working relationships between PEPs, students, and corrections 
• ensuring program quality through robust student data collection and infrastructure
• pathways to campus through reentry initiatives, housing, and comprehensive student support services
• how to effectively build cohesive statewide efforts and the identification of key partners in that process
• the balance between academic success and overall student success, ensuring that both are prioritized effectively

We’re looking forward to presentations on innovative solutions related to the above topics. For those interested in presenting at NCHEP, the Call for Proposals is now open.

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