This work grew from my (Frank Sgro's) experience returning to higher education after serving a long prison sentence. I quickly learned that being capable of college-level work and understanding the language of college were two different things. Academic terms and expectations often assumed knowledge I had never been taught, and asking questions could feel like admitting I did not belong. Through my education and work with Dr. Cailyn Green, I began to see this as a larger barrier for students moving from prison into college. We created this work to identify that barrier and offer…
Dear community,
Deportation can be a traumatic process very similar to reentry after prison. Both incarcerated people and detained people have been taken from their communities, deprived of their liberty and returned to places that may no longer be familiar to them. Deportation guidance is reentry support.
As such, I’m thrilled to share with you the fully updated 2026 deportation guide, A New Path: A Guide to the Challenges And Opportunities After Deportation…
We are now accepting proposals for the third-annual Incarcerated Scholars Conference (ISC), which will be held virtually on October 28–29, 2026. This year's theme is "Learning in Motion."
Currently incarcerated students and currently incarcerated alumni of higher education in prison programs can submit a Presentation Proposal. Presenters (even those self-submitting) should be prepared to identify a proxy, who must be affiliated with an educational program currently in operation at the prison.
All…
Applications for the 2026 Rockwood Leadership Institute Fellowship for Leaders in Higher Education in Prison close May 14! Read more about how to apply and what to expect in the application.
The Fellowship, designed by Rockwood staff, trainers, and system-impacted consultants, is designed to strengthen and cohere a core group of formerly incarcerated leaders working in the HEP sector. For all the details, including the Fellowship programming and timeline, purpose, goals, and more, see our Applicant Program Information…
If you believe colleges and universities should hire more individuals with lived experience and would like to learn about strategies for how to strengthen fair chance hiring practices at your institution:
Register Here to attend the Fair Chance Hiring 101 session on May 12th from 2-3 PM ET
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ffd0UT2MShW2TFTDrjdJ2Q
Fair Chance 101 is an informational session for colleges and universities…
With generous funding from the ECMC Foundation, the Colorado Coalition for Higher Education in Prison (C-CHEP) has produced a research study of HEP coalitions. The report draws upon interviews with 33 leaders from statewide alliances, national advocacy groups, and leading HEP practitioners. Produced in collaboration with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students, the report offers a nuanced dive into the opportunities, challenges, and joys of building education-based coalitions rooted in a commitment to social justice.
JFF's Center for Justice and Economic Advancement will be holding an Info Session about their Fair Chance Hiring in Hiring Education Learning Series on May 12th from 2-3 pm ET. If you would like to learn more about the Learning Series, and how your institution could benefit from participating, please fell free to register.
The Fair Chance Hiring in Higher Ed Learning Series is a one semester professional learning experience being held virtually this Fall and is designed for colleges and universities interested in expanding…
The Beginner’s Guide to Addiction Peer Recovery for Justice-Involved Individuals is a comprehensive resource designed to empower those impacted by addiction and the justice system. This guide offers insight into addiction peer recovery support, with a focus on supporting justice-impacted individuals through accessible, community-centered approaches.
Rockwood Leadership Institute, in partnership with Ascendium, is excited to announce that applications for the third cohort of the Fellowship for Leaders in Higher Education in Prison are now open! Full tuition and accommodations will be covered by Rockwood and fellows will receive a $5,000 stipend for completing the fellowship, along with up to $5,000 in training-related expense reimbursements (airfare, childcare, etc.).
Apply for the 2026 Fellowship for Leaders in Higher Education in Prison…
Hey RCHEP Community,
Have you learned with FICGN yet? Join us tomorrow for the last HEP Orientation Learning & Feedback Session, where we'll explore the impact of K-12 education on higher ed in prison and reentry success in our "Lessons from Local Leaders" workshop.
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Time: 11am ET/8am PT
Register and Attend:…
