NCPN CONNECT 2026
PROGRAM
Overview
NCPN CONNECT 2026 delivers a rich lineup of sessions, networking events, and opportunities to engage with leaders across education, workforce development, and industry. Whether you’re designing effective career pathways, scaling employer partnerships, or supporting adult learners, you’ll find relevant strategies and insights to strengthen your work.
Strands
The world of work is evolving faster than ever, creating challenges for students, businesses, and communities alike. CORD’s Framework for Career Pathways Alignment offers a clear structure for educators, employers, and partners to design pathways that help learners succeed. The four program strands for NCPN CONNECT 2026 are built around this framework and reflect the most critical areas shaping the future of education and employment.
Pathway Ecosystems
Examples:
- Local, regional, or state cross-agency partnerships
- Workforce system/board partnerships
- Enhancing/sustaining partnerships
- Federal and state funding to support pathways (WIOA, Perkins, foundation, etc.)
- Connecting education partners across the community
- Policy and program alignment
Employer Engagement
Examples:
- Strategic employer relationships
- Work-based Learning (for example: internships, co-ops, experiential learning, externships)
- Apprenticeship/Pre-apprenticeship
- Industry-recognized credentials
- Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT) Model
- Employability skills/soft skills/power skills
Pathway Design
Examples:
- Credit for prior learning
- Curriculum models that support all learners (IET, Corrections, etc.)
- Dual and articulated credit
- Stackable credential/micro-credential models
- Continuous Improvement and sustainability
- Pathways for emerging careers
Learner Supports
Examples:
- Support strategies for every learner
- Mental wellness and career development
- Career coaching and advising
- Supporting special populations
- Recruitment and retention strategies
Schedule — Coming Soon
Featured Speakers
Our keynote and featured speakers will be announced soon.
