NCPN Connect 2027

NCPN Connect 2027 brings career pathway leaders and practitioners from across the country to San Antonio for the annual conference of the National Career Pathways Network. Attendees will connect with colleagues across education, workforce, and industry while exploring the ideas, partnerships, and practices shaping the future of career pathways. The conference theme, 'Pathways That Deliver: Talent. Opportunity. Economic Growth.', focuses on how successful career pathways must deliver talent for employers, opportunity for learners, and economic growth for communities, especially as workforce needs evolve. The program is structured around four strands reflecting the CORD Framework for Career Pathways Alignment: Pathway Ecosystems (building systems, cross-agency partnerships, data-driven decision making, funding, scaling models), Employer Engagement (industry as co-leader, strategic partnerships, work-based learning, apprenticeship programs), Pathway Design (credentials of value, stackable credentials, dual enrollment, pathways for emerging industries), and Learner Supports (guidance, resources, holistic support, recruitment, retention for diverse learners). Attendees can expect to learn from national experts, explore evolving career pathways, see industry co-leadership in action, gain adaptable ideas and resources, and build connections with peers and partners.