The Lee College Huntsville Center is hosting the 12th Annual Texas Correctional Education Conference on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Sam Houston Walker Education Center, 1402 19th St, Huntsville, TX 77340, from 9am–3pm CT.

This year marks a monumental milestone: 60 years of education in correctional settings at Lee College and 12 years of hosting this conference. Under the theme "60 Years of Second Chances: Turning Dreams into Reality," Lee College will celebrate a proud legacy of student personal transformation, professional achievement, and long-term desistance within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s postsecondary education system.

This year’s program will feature a diverse lineup of sessions, including:

• Featured Speakers, Panels, Discussions, and Remarks:
• Keynote Speaker: Cheri Garcia, founder of Cornbread Hustle.
  • Luis Soberon of Texas 2036 with updates on the upcoming legislative session
  • A Texas Prison Education Program (PEP) consortium panel
  • An inspiring alum panel of former students from the outside
  • A current student panel that captures the voices of those inside
  • Information on labor market outcomes in Texas
  • State elected officials
  • TDCJ Executive Leadership
  • Windham School District and Partner Colleges
  • State Agencies and Community Partners
  • and much more as you've come to expect from the TCEC…‍
• Silent Auction: Proceeds will directly benefit the Lee College Alpha Beta Gamma Business Honor Society and Reentry Department Alumni events.

Educators, program administrators, and those engaged in Higher Education in Prison (HEP) and reentry are encouraged to join this dynamic event.

Registration is $75 at Eventbrite and includes both a light breakfast and lunch. Parking is free at the event.

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Questions: Please contact reentry@lee.edu or trwilliams@lee.edu

Vendor Inquiries: If your organization supports reentry, higher education in prison, or community empowerment, please reach out to discuss participation at reentry@lee.edu.

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Hotel Accommodations
We have secured a block of rooms at the Home2 Suites by Hilton at a discounted rate of $120 per night (King and Double Queen rooms). Rooms are available from Thursday, October 14 to Saturday, October 17.

• To reserve at the group rate, call (936) 755-7900 and mention the Texas Correctional Education Conference.
• Reservations must be made by Monday, October 12, 2026.
• Standard hotel cancellation policies apply (24-hour notice required).