Higher Education & Workforce Summit 2027

The Higher Education & Workforce Summit convenes workforce board executives, higher education leaders, adult and postsecondary CTE professionals, and employers to strengthen coordinated regional talent strategies that drive measurable economic and workforce outcomes. As employer expectations evolve, demographics shift, and accountability for results increases, higher education institutions and workforce boards must move beyond parallel efforts and toward shared governance, aligned investment, and employer-responsive talent systems. Workforce boards serve as designated conveners of regional workforce strategy. Higher education institutions are essential partners in credential pathways, program innovation, and long-term talent development. Employers are co-investors and critical voices in shaping program relevance and sustainability. This Summit focuses on leadership, coordination, and practical alignment across the education--workforce ecosystem to ensure that regional talent investments translate into real business and community impact. Participants will leave with: A clearer understanding of how workforce boards and higher education jointly shape regional talent strategy, Practical strategies for employer-aligned program design and partnership, Insight into funding alignment, accountability, and shared performance expectations, Stronger cross-sector relationships grounded in collaboration rather than compliance, Concrete next steps for building coordinated, outcomes-driven regional talent systems.