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2027 ACT Summit: Call for Proposals is Open

Are you leading real change at your organization, challenging the “college and career ready” status quo, bridging gaps in the education-to-career pipeline, and turning good ideas into effective policy? We want to hear from you! 

The 2027 ACT Summit is your platform to shape the future of education and workforce readiness. Share innovative ideas, best practices, and insights with leaders in K-12, higher education, and workforce and economic development. We are now accepting proposals for sessions focusing on policy, strategy, and leadership in preparing individuals for successful futures.  

Proposal Deadline: Sept. 9, 2026

 

July 12-14, 2027
New Orleans

Join fellow leaders at the 2027 ACT Summit, where K-12, higher education, and workforce leaders come together to guide every learner along every pathway, every time. The Summit continues ACT's tradition of convening experts from across the country in a setting that turns shared challenges into shared directions built on trust, championed by the people closest to learners, and grounded in what works. 

Expect plenaries from recognized leaders and sessions designed to translate performance into possibility for the students, families, educators, and institutions seeking clarity, choice, and confidence in a shifting landscape.  

The most powerful breakthroughs happen when silos are broken: when a K-12 administrator discovers a career readiness solution, when a higher education leader finds common ground with an employer, or when an idea sparks a policy change across education and workforce boundaries. The ACT Summit is built for those moments, creating connections you didn’t know you were missing.  

You’ll leave the summit with new ways of problem solving, new allies, and new tools to impact the K-career pipeline in your region.
 

Get notified when registration opens

Why Attend the 2027 ACT Summit?

One Summit, Broader Impact

Whether you're focused on education pathways or workforce readiness, this event will equip you with the tools and knowledge to solve challenges and lead innovation in your community.  
 

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Collaborate Across Sectors 

  • Engage with peers and thought leaders from K-12, higher education, and workforce sectors.  
  • Exchange ideas, share experiences, and discover innovative solutions to bridge the gap between education and employment.  

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 Explore Sessions Focused on Your Day-to-Day Challenges  

  • Participate in sessions designed to foster collaboration, drive problem-solving, and shape the future of education and workforce development.  
  • Discover new strategies that tackle real-world challenges in student preparation, career readiness, and workforce alignment.  

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Transformative Experience  

  • Immerse yourself in top-tier professional development
  • Leave with insights that will empower you to lead change and inspire action in your own community.  

Who Should Attend?

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K-12 Education Leaders

  • State Department of Education Leaders  
  • School and District Administrators  
  • Career and Technical Education Leaders   
  • ACT Regional Summit Attendees and Council Members 
  • Professional Learning Community Members 
  • Department of Education Superintendents

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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
  • State Higher Education Executive Officers

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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 
  • Past ACT Workforce Summit Attendees 

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Cross-Sector Professionals

  • Nonprofit and National Organization Leaders
  • Apprenticeship Leaders
  • ACT® Work Ready Community Teams
  • Legislators
  • Mayors
  • City Commissioners and City Council Members

See What Attendees Have to Say About the 2025 ACT Summit

“Attending the ACT Summit was an energizing experience. The host city was fantastic, the sessions were rich with insight, and I've returned with new perspectives to shape our approach for the next recruitment cycle. The plenary speakers and panel conversations were especially impactful, offering thoughtful discussion on the evolving landscape of student success."

– Ebony Dixon, AVP/Director of Admissions, University of Buffalo

“Often times educators are not able to meet with workforce development or industry leaders. The ACT Summit provided an opportunity for building bridges between educators and industry/workforce leaders. The bridges secure the future road forward to student achievement and economic success..”

– Michele Griffin, Dean of Instruction, Pius XI Catholic High School (Wisconsin)

"This year's ACT Summit was an incredible experience, from powerful sessions to inspiring conversations with educators and leaders from across the country. I left energized, equipped, and more committed than ever to advancing college and career success for all of students. I'm already looking forward to next year's summit and the opportunity to keep learning, sharing, and building momentum together.."

– Andrea Glenn, Director, Postsecondary & Community Engagement, Arizona Department of Education

"The ACT Summit is the best place for leaders to converge and bridge the gaps between workforce development, K-12, and higher education. Everyone is focused on utilizing their expertise and resources to best equip the next generation to succeed in high value careers. This conference should be on the must-attend list for leaders in the workforce development, K-12, and higher education field.”

– Wendy Mercer, Career Advisor, Hardeman County School District (Tennessee)