Join us for NCPN CONNECT 2026,
The Annual Conference of the National Career Pathways Network!
About NCPN CONNECT
For over 30 years, NCPN CONNECT has been bringing together educators, administrators, workforce professionals, and industry partners to strengthen the education-to-careers pipeline. Each year, hundreds gather to share insights, explore strategies, and advance practices in Career Pathways, Adult Career Pathways, CTE, and workforce development. Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned leader, you’ll leave with fresh ideas, valuable connections, and practical strategies to support every learner’s success.
Benefits
- Discover proven strategies to align education and workforce development.
- Learn from national experts and innovators in the field.
- Gain practical tools and resources you can apply right away.
- Build a professional network of peers, employers, and partners.
- Explore emerging trends shaping the future of career pathways and learning.
Keynote Session - How Partnerships Mature: The Power of We
What does it take for education–industry partnerships to move beyond transactions and become true ecosystems?
This keynote explores how collaboration evolves from “you and us” to the Power of We, centering on student experience and the partnerships that make strong career pathways possible. Grounded in the CORD framework, the session highlights the structures, mindsets, and practices that support long-term collaboration, workforce readiness, and regional economic vitality.
The keynote features Annette Parker, retired President of South Central College and a nationally recognized leader in workforce and community college education. The highlight of the session is a student panel from Nunez Community College’s Aerospace Manufacturing Technology Program, where students will share how partnerships between colleges, employers, and communities shaped their learning, clarified career pathways, and opened doors to meaningful careers.
Annette Parker,
Retired President, South Central College, Board Chair, CORD
Who Should Attend
NCPN CONNECT 2026 is ideal for:
- Community and technical college faculty, staff, and administrators
- Secondary educators and CTE professionals
- Adult educators
- Corrections educators
- Workforce development practitioners
- State and regional education agency staff
- Industry and employer partners
- Nonprofit and community-based organization representatives
Program
Call for Proposals
Ready to share your expertise at NCPN CONNECT 2026? Our Call for Proposals is open.
Registration
Questions?
Email us at NCPN2026@cord.org
Conference Support Provided By
Additional sponsors will be announced.