2024 Annual Meeting Announcement

New details on keynote speaker Romarilyn Ralston and panel sessions. Register today!

View this email in your browser Join Us for PA CHEP’s Annual Meeting We’re excited to invite you to the PA CHEP Annual Meeting, taking place on November 15 from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, PA. This year’s theme, Navigating the New Pell Landscape: Opportunities and Perspectives, will bring together diverse voices and explore the transformative potential of higher education in prisons. Add event to calendar Keynote Address by Romarilyn Ralston Romarilyn Ralston, Executive Director of Project Rebound, has dedicated her life to advocating for systems-impacted women and expanding educational opportunities within prison systems. With a remarkable history of leadership and transformative work, Romarilyn’s profound insights into justice and education have earned her national recognition and respect. Her keynote address will powerfully convey the resilience, strength, and potential that education can unlock, underscoring the vital role it plays in changing lives. Highlights of the Day: Opening Remarks with Dr. Michael Reed We’ll begin the day with a warm welcome from Dr. Michael Reed, President of Pennsylvania College of Technology. His insights into the importance of educational access set the tone for a day of learning and collaboration. Morning Panels: Exploring Emerging Opportunities The morning sessions will focus on key academic themes and practical strategies for emerging higher education programs in prisons. Panels will cover essential topics such as: Understanding the Pell Process for Justice-Impacted People: A deep dive into navigating Pell grants and answering frequently asked questions. Inside-Out from the Outside In: Discover the impact of the Inside-Out Program and what it accomplishes for both students and incarcerated learners. Funding Opportunities and Strategies for Higher Education in Prisons: Learn about funding streams available for higher education programs and hear from experts on accessing resources. Reports from Ongoing Higher Education Programs: Representatives from established programs will share their experiences, discussing challenges, successes, and goals for the future. Expanding Access for Incarcerated Women: This session will highlight the unique challenges of providing education to women in prison, exploring the pathways to expand access and support. Reentry from Three Perspectives: Experts from state, local, and non-profit sectors will discuss reentry challenges and collaborative strategies. Leadership Behind Bars: Prison principals will share insights on integrating higher education programs with existing educational initiatives. These sessions are designed to offer valuable insights for emerging programs and to foster collaboration among stakeholders. Afternoon Panels: Voices of Experience The afternoon will feature panels led by and featuring formerly incarcerated individuals who will share their experiences and perspectives on reentry, education, and personal transformation. Topics include: Reentrant Panels: These panels will provide a platform for reentrants to discuss critical issues around reentry, prevention, and recovery, offering firsthand insights into the challenges and successes of life after incarceration. Irvin Moore Honorarium: We are proud to honor Irvin Moore for his remarkable life and profound contributions to higher education in prisons. He will share his inspiring story, reflecting on the transformative power of education. In addition to these engaging panels, the meeting will include opportunities for networking and connecting with colleagues from across the state. Join us as we work together to support the growth of higher education in prisons. We’re looking forward to an incredible day of learning and connection, and we hope you’ll join us. To reserve your spot, please register now; the link will take you directly to the event page for registration and more information. A finalized agenda will be shared soon. For now, mark your calendars, and prepare for a thought-provoking day filled with diverse perspectives and meaningful discussions. We look forward to seeing you there! Copyright (C) 2025 Pennsylvania Consortium for Higher Education in Prison. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you previously expressed interest in PA CHEP or one of our partners. Our mailing address is: Pennsylvania Consortium for Higher Education in Prison 800 E Lancaster Ave Villanova, PA 19085-1603 USA Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe