NCPN CONNECT 2026
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Share Your Expertise. Connect with Purpose
The National Career Pathways Network (NCPN) invites educators, employers, workforce development professionals, and policymakers to submit proposals for presentations at the NCPN CONNECT 2026 Conference, February 18–20, 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Who Should Present?
- Secondary and post-secondary educators
- Career pathways coordinators and program directors
- Workforce development professionals
- Industry partners and employers
- State and local education agency leaders
- Researchers and policy advocates
Presentation Formats
[TBD]
Program Strands
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
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
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
Examples:
- Support strategies for every learner
- Mental wellness and career development
- Career coaching and advising
- Supporting special populations
- Recruitment and retention strategies
Why Present?
Presenting at NCPN CONNECT 2026 gives you the opportunity to showcase your work, share innovative practices, and build connections with a national audience of career pathways leaders. It’s a chance to elevate your professional profile while contributing valuable insights that help educators, employers, and policymakers create more effective pathways for learners.
Dates to Remember
| Proposal Deadline | XXXXX |
| Approval Notification | by (insert date) |
| Presenter Registration | by (insert date) to secure discounted rate of $ |
Requirements and Recommendations
- Registration Fees: All presenters are required to register and pay the registration fee by (insert date) to secure the discounted presenter registration rate of $. (Beginning on (insert date), the presenter registration rate is $.)
- Presenters must arrange and pay for their own travel and lodging.
- Presenters must agree to present in person on the day assigned.
- Presenters are responsible for providing copies of their handouts and other supporting materials.
For-Profit Presenters
Presentations by vendors or for-profit consultants must include at least one practitioner (product user) as co-presenter and are also required to exhibit.
Questions?
Email us at NCPN2026@cord.org
