NEPEC Secures $100K Grant to Expand Postsecondary Opportunities for Incarcerated Learners in New England

The New England Prison Education Collaborative (NEPEC) is excited to announce a significant milestone in its mission to revolutionize incarcerated education in the region. Recently, NEPEC successfully raised $100,000—an achievement that underscores the community’s unwavering support and commitment to the cause. As a regional initiative led by the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE), NEPEC was established in February 2024 under a five-year grant from Ascendium Education Group. This funding was designed to empower NEPEC to build upon the visionary recommendations laid out by the 2023 New England Commission on the Future of Higher Education in Prison. That nine-month regional convening brought together leaders from various sectors who are committed to preparing New England for the reinstatement of federal Pell Grants for all currently incarcerated learners. With this additional $100,000 injection, NEPEC is better equipped to accelerate its collaborative efforts aimed at ensuring that every incarcerated individual in the region has access to high-quality, workforce-aligned, and equitable postsecondary opportunities. These funds will directly contribute to expanding educational pathways, developing innovative curriculum programs, and enhancing support systems that address the unique challenges faced by incarcerated learners. The initiative not only bridges critical gaps in education but also serves as a catalyst for systemic change, ensuring a future where reform and rehabilitation go hand in hand with academic achievement. By channeling these resources into robust educational programs and strategic partnerships, NEPEC remains steadfast in its pursuit to transform the landscape of prison education across New England.