Power in Partnership: Higher Education, Reentry & Pathways to Opportunity
Overview
Hosted by Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy and Virginia Consensus on Higher Education in Prison (VCHEP), Power in Partnership: Higher Education, Reentry & Pathways to Opportunity is an evening convening that brings together faith leaders, higher education partners, employers and reentry organizations to address the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals pursuing education during and after incarceration. The event is designed to deepen understanding, strengthen collaboration and invite new partners into the 2026 Strategic Planning process for VCHEP.
Purpose & Goals
Center the moral imperative of college education in prison through interfaith and educational perspectives.
Highlight reentry realities, including barriers to continuing higher education or securing employment after release.
Build cross-sector collaboration between colleges, reentry providers, employers and faith communities.
Gather actionable insights to inform the 2026 VCHEP Strategic Plan.
Who Should Attend?
Representatives from Virginia’s colleges and universities (including HBCUs and community colleges)
Reentry organization leaders and formerly incarcerated professionals
Faith-based organizations and clergy
Employers and workforce development professionals
State and local agency partners focused on higher education and reentry policy