July 13 – July 15, 2026 | Nashville
What is the ACT Summit?
Ignite innovation and drive meaningful change at the 2026 ACT Summit: Where Policy and Practice Meet Purpose to solve today's most pressing challenges across education and workforce.
This Summit builds on ACT’s tradition of bringing together experts from across the country, as seen in past events like the ACT Workforce Summit and the ACT Enrollment Management Summit. It creates a dynamic platform for actionable insights and cutting-edge policy discussions across interconnected fields.
Sessions
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with peers, share experiences, and collaborate on innovative solutions that span the K-career spectrum. Dive into cross-sector sessions designed to spark collaboration, foster problem-solving, and shape the future of education and the workforce.
Below is a preview of the sessions you can look forward to.
Power in Partnership: A K-12, Higher Ed, & Workforce Blueprint for College and Career Pathways
How can early, aligned programming build lifelong success for youth? This session spotlights the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Youth College and Career Readiness Office (YCCR) as a scalable, cross-sector model linking high school students with higher education and workforce pathways. Through YCCR programs (Rebel Teach, Rebel Start Summer Camp, and Youth Rebel Start Academy), K-12, higher ed, and industry partners provide multiple modalities for early college opportunities, career exposure, and hands-on learning. Presenters will share practical tools, funding strategies, and key lessons for designing sustainable, replicable youth-to-career pipelines.
Rutherford Works Career Pathways Partnership: Driving Workforce Readiness Through Education-Industry Collaboration
The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, through its Rutherford Works division, is leading an innovative, community-wide approach to aligning education and workforce development. Through strategic initiatives like the Career Pathways Partnership, Industry Councils, and the Work Ready Community (WRC) designation, Rutherford Works has built a strong, sustainable framework connecting K–12 education, higher education, and local employers to strengthen the region’s talent pipeline.
This session will highlight how Rutherford Works and Rutherford County Schools collaborate with employer partners to align career pathways with real-world workforce needs. Participants will explore how the region has scaled its Career Pathways Partnership, Work-Based Learning, Educator Externships, and Industry Council engagement to create opportunities that prepare students for success in high-demand career fields while addressing employers’ talent challenges.
Who Should Attend
K-12 Education Leaders
- State Department of Education Leaders
- School and District Administrators
- Career and Technical Education Leaders
- Apprenticeship Leaders
- ACT Regional Summit Attendees and Council Members
- Professional Learning Community Members ( FKA State Organizations)
Higher Education Leaders
- Presidents and Chancellors
- Chief Academic Officers
- Provosts and Other Academic Leaders
- Enrollment, Admissions, and Retention Leaders
- State Higher Education and System Leaders
- Academic Advisors and Student Success Professionals
- Adult Education Specialists
- Past ACT Enrollment Management Summit Attendees
Workforce Professionals
- Workforce and Economic Developers
- Employers
- State Corrections Agency Members
- Local Workforce Board Directors
- State Workforce Agency Leaders
- Technical and Community College Leaders
- Career Academies Staff
- ACT Work Ready Communities Leaders
- Past ACT Workforce Summit Attendees
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Sonny Perdue
Chancellor
University System of Georgia
Spotlight on the Main Stage
Justin Draeger
Sr. Vice President, Affordability
Strada Education Foundation
Penny Schwinn
Operating Partner & Former Tennessee Education Commissioner
The Vistria Group
Angela Jerabek
Founder & Executive Director
BARR Center
Deniece Thomas
Commissioner
Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Anne Kress
President
Northern Virginia Community College
Join us at this one-of-a-kind event in Music City - Nashville!
JW Marriott Nashville
Situated steps from Nashville’s bustling Broadway Street, JW Marriott Nashville is perfect for exploring downtown Nashville and its vibrant music and entertainment scene.
Engage in discussions with other professionals who share your passion at the welcome reception on opening night and sign up for one of our optional group leisure activities to relax in an informal setting with other Summit attendees on Tuesday evening.
Creativity is the heart and soul of Music City, and there is always something happening in Nashville. Whether you are in search of great live music, fantastic restaurants, or arts and culture, Nashville will deliver.
See you in...
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