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NCHEP 15 calls the higher education in prison field to move beyond celebrating entry points and toward examining the integrity, depth, and potential of education during incarceration. In this time of shifting policies, funding challenges, and evolving student needs, sustainability means more than survival; it must reflect equity, accountability, and long-term impact. This theme challenges us to consider how to build coordinated systems, scalable practices, and shared responsibility within and beyond the classroom.
For the first time, NCHEP will be held in a convention center, opening doors for a new kind of conference experience.
The Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, OH will be the site of the majority of NCHEP programming. We will also be partnering with nearby hotels to offer NCHEP attendees discounted rates in conference room blocks.
More information about the topic tracks and conference presentation formats are included in the Call for Proposals.
At NCHEP, you’ll connect with a dynamic field of educators, nonprofit leaders, practitioners, corrections professionals, and students—both currently and formerly incarcerated—who are leading the charge. This conference extends beyond academic frameworks to collaboratively build a future where the field of higher education in prison provides real hope and opportunity, and also drives real-world change at a time when the stakes have never been higher.
Join us in Cleveland, and together, we will expand and strengthen the network that ensures every learner has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their circumstances.
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We are offering a limited number of financial aid packages for NCHEP 15. We value our community’s attendance at our biggest event of the year!
Financial aid applications were due October 19th and are now closed.
Presentation proposal submissions were due October 19th and the CFP is now closed.
The application to be a reviewer for NCHEP 15 was due October 10th and the Call for Reviewers is now closed.
NCHEP 15 will be an in-person conference in Cleveland, Ohio, except for those who are currently incarcerated. Virtual attendance via Zoom will only be possible for currently incarcerated presenters during selected events.
We know that travel isn’t possible for everyone, and we do our best to make our events as accessible and accommodating as we can. At this time, however, the audiovisual and staffing requirements for a hybrid conference make it cost-prohibitive. By focusing our resources on the in-person experience, we can keep the conference more affordable, provide some financial aid opportunities, and ensure high-quality programming for all attendees.
The NCHEP Planning Team will make every effort to support accommodation requests and the full participation of all attendees. You will be able to request accommodations during the registration process.
Registration for NCHEP 15 is now open.
This year, by hosting the conference at the Huntington Convention Center, we will be be able to accommodate more attendees than in previous years. That said, we encourage all those interested in attending to register as soon as possible to secure a spot.
Registration fees for NCHEP 15:
Over the past several years, the Alliance has worked hard to keep NCHEP registration fee rates stable, even during times of inflation. As this convening has grown to welcome nearly 1,000 attendees in 2023 and 2025, the event has also become more complex to plan and host. In order to ensure the long-term sustainability of this now-annual event, we’ve made the difficult but necessary decision to increase registration fees this year. This adjustment will help us cover the true costs of hosting a conference at this scale, offer financial aid awards, and ensure the continuation of this gathering that supports and strengthens the field for years to come.
NCHEP 15 will take place in the heart of downtown Cleveland.
The conference will be held at the Huntington Convention Center. Our primary conference hotel, Hilton Cleveland Downtown, is connected to the convention center, and we have a large block of discounted rooms reserved exclusively for NCHEP attendees. Our additional conference hotel, Marriott Downtown at Key Tower, is also steps away from the convention center, though we have a much smaller block of discounted rooms at this second hotel.
For more information on reserving a hotel room using our discounted room blocks as well as information about additional hotels within walking distance of the convention center, please click on the link below.
We are encouraging attendees to consider arriving in Cleveland on April 7th to be able to attend special sessions on April 8th, and departing from Cleveland on April 11th.
In order to get the full conference experience, we recommend that attendees not travel on conference days.
Book hotel accommodations through us to receive discounted rates in room blocks for the event.
Support the field the become a sponsor today! Learn more about sponsorship.
A special thanks to our regular funders as well!
