Inaugural Bluegrass Coalition for Higher Education in Prison Conference Held at UofL

The inaugural Bluegrass Coalition for Higher Education in Prison (BCHEP) Conference was held on the University of Louisville’s Shelby Campus on October 27, bringing together educators, practitioners, and advocates dedicated to expanding access to higher education for incarcerated individuals.

The event was hosted by the Cardinal Access to Restorative Education (CARE) Initiative and UofL SOARS – Student Opportunities for Academic and Reentry Success, with support from the Laughing Gull Foundation and the University of Louisville Kent School of Social Work and Family Science.

Participants from colleges and organizations across Kentucky gathered to connect, network, and share resources. Sessions throughout the day fostered open dialogue about the current state of higher education in prison programs, highlighting their transformative impact while addressing challenges and exploring opportunities for future growth.

The conference marked an important step in building a collaborative statewide community focused on advancing educational access, personal development, and successful reentry through the power of learning.