Jobs for the Future (JFF) invites you to join the inaugural Fair Chance to Advance (FC2A) National Summit. This year’s summit will bring together over 200 leaders from state systems for corrections and community supervision, postsecondary education, and workforce development, as well as policymakers, system-impacted leaders, employers and industry leaders, and other stakeholders committed to ensuring that people with histories of incarceration have a fair chance to advance.
At a time when employers face talent shortages, states are rethinking workforce strategies, and millions of talented workers remain excluded from opportunity—FC2A brings together leaders shaping the future of the fair chance ecosystem.
Over the course of three days, participants will:
- Learn about emerging practices to build cross-sector fair chance ecosystems at the state level;
- Collaborate with peers from across the country who are navigating similar challenges; and
- Leave with concrete next steps on building pathways from incarceration to quality jobs.
This event is an interactive convening focused on real challenges and practical solutions.
Who Should Attend
The inaugural FC2A National Summit will convene stakeholders from across the country who represent one of the eight FC2A stakeholder groups. Each of these stakeholder groups plays a critical role in strengthening fair chance ecosystems at the state level and advancing pathways from corrections to quality jobs.
- Departments of Corrections & Community Supervision
- Postsecondary Education & Workforce Training Providers & System Offices
- Workforce Development Agencies & Boards
- State Leaders & Policymakers
- System-Impacted Leaders
- Employers, Industry Organizations, & Unions
- Community & Advocacy Organizations
- Reentry, Legal, & Social Benefit Service Providers
In addition to representatives from these eight stakeholder groups, the National Summit also welcomes philanthropic organizations, investors, researchers, technical assistance providers, and JFF’s national partners whose work contributes to building the systems, partnerships, and infrastructure needed to advance fair chance opportunities nationwide.
Registration Information
Registration includes access to all regular sessions, program materials, the opening reception on Tuesday, and breakfast and lunch on Wednesday and Thursday.
Space is limited; early registration is strongly encouraged.
Registration Tiers:
- Early Registration
- Registration Deadline: Monday, August 31, 2026
- Registration Fee: $650
- Regular Registration
- Registration Deadline: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
- Registration Fee: $850
Schedule Overview
Event Dates:
- Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday, November 19, 2026, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
We anticipate that participants will:
- Arrive in St. Louis on Tuesday, November 17, before 4:00 p.m.
- Depart on Thursday, November 19, after 3:00 p.m.
We ask that you plan to stay for the duration of the event.
All times are listed in Central Time.
Location, Travel, and Hotel
JFF has reserved a block of rooms at Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch for registered attendees.
- Special Room Rate: $189 per night, plus applicable taxes and fees
Once you have registered for the FC2A National Summit, you will receive additional information on booking your hotel. The room block will close on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch
315 Chestnut Street, St. Louis, MO 63102
Accessibility and Accommodations
JFF is committed to hosting inclusive, accessible events. During registration, please let us know if you have any accessibility needs, dietary restrictions, or other accommodations.
You can also contact the FC2A National Summit team at FC2A@jff.org by Tuesday, October 6, to discuss specific needs or request accommodations.
Fair Chance to Advance Shared Values
The FC2A Initiative operates with the following shared values across our networks and events:
- Centering people with lived experience
We commit to elevating the leadership, expertise, and stories of people with histories of incarceration in shaping this work. - Dignity, respect, and person-first language
We talk about “people with histories of incarceration” or “system-impacted people,” not labels that reduce anyone to their record. - Economic advancement as the north star
Our shared focus is on expanding real pathways from incarceration to quality education, training, and jobs that support long-term economic mobility. - Systems alignment and shared responsibility
We acknowledge that education, workforce, corrections, reentry, and employer systems have often worked in silos—and we are here to align them around a common fair chance agenda. - Equity and normalizing opportunity
We recognize that barriers are largely systemic, not individual, and we work to remove policies and practices that indefinitely penalize people with records—“normalizing opportunity” rather than exclusion. - Data-informed learning and transparency
We use integrated state data and evaluation to understand impact, improve over time, and be open about what is and isn’t working. - Collaboration, trust, and cross-state learning
We show up as partners—across agencies, sectors, and states—listening generously, sharing power, and learning from one another. - Long‑term commitment and sustainability
We are building durable state-level infrastructure and policy/practice change that will outlast any one grant, initiative or convening.
Questions?
For questions about registration, logistics, event content, or accommodations, please contact:
FC2A National Summit Team | Email: FC2A@jff.org