Professional Development
Professional Learning Academies 2025–2026
Career Pathways Leadership Certification
September 2025 – February 2026 | Virtual + In-Person Capstone
(SAME certification – NEW format)
Program Overview
This Career Pathways Leadership Certification is designed to empower career technical education, adult education, counseling, corrections, and workforce development professionals in building career pathways that are industry-informed and learner-focused.
Grounded in CORD’s Framework for Career Pathways Alignment, this series provides a research-based foundation for systemic improvement and alignment of career pathways. Participants will engage in monthly virtual meetings focusing on best practices and insightful discussions designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of career pathways leaders through a structured, interactive, and collaborative approach. Between sessions, participants will have opportunities for networking and work on learning exercises to reinforce professional growth and practical application.
Participants will develop an action plan focused on strategic pathway implementation and receive a toolbox of resources to engage with P-20, adult education, community, and employer partners.
Who Should Participate
Career technical education (CTE), adult education, counseling, corrections, and workforce development professionals
Schedule & Format
Two-hour virtual sessions on Fridays, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. CST
- September 19, 2025 – The Career Pathways Framework and Ecosystem
- October 17, 2025 – Employer Engagement to Support Innovation
- November 14, 2025 – Responsive Career Pathway Design
- December 12, 2025 – Holistic Learner Support
- January 23, 2026 – Continuous Improvement and Sustainability
Capstone at NCPN Connect 2026: 3-hour Preconference, February 18
Ready to Lead?
Questions?
Contact Dr. Jennifer Jirous-Rapp, VP – Pathways & Partnerships, jrapp@cord.org