act-summit-logo-2026-2

Call for Proposals Is Open

The ACT Summit is your opportunity to share innovative ideas, best practices, and insights with leaders in K-12, higher education, and workforce development. We are now accepting proposals for sessions focusing on policy, strategy, and leadership that inspire cross-sector collaboration and drive meaningful change. 

Proposal Deadline: Sept. 10, 2025

Submit Your Proposal

We’re looking for presentations on cutting-edge topics in college and career readiness including:

blue-check-icon (1)Strategy and Leadership: Advancing innovative and emerging policies, programs, and partnerships that boost learner readiness and align educational outcomes to industry needs.
blue-check-icon (1)Cross-Sector Collaboration: Advancing innovative and emerging policies, programs, and partnerships that boost learner readiness and align educational outcomes to industry needs.
blue-check-icon (1)Data-Driven Practices for Learner Success: Using quality data to guide decisions, meet evolving needs, and boost learner success and preparation for college and career pathways.
chevron-3

Where Policy and Practice Meet Purpose

Join us at the 2026 ACT Summit, where leaders from K-12, higher education, and workforce sectors come together to solve today's most pressing challenges. This event is a dynamic platform for actionable insights and strategies across interconnected fields. Attendees can 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.

Fill out the form to be notified when
registration opens. 

Why Attend the ACT Summit?

One Summit, Broader Impact

The ACT Summit unites the expertise and focus of workforce, K-12, and higher education leaders, creating a fully integrated experience that fosters cross-sector collaboration. 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. 
 

networking (1)

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.  

speaking

 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.  

icon-k12-1

Transformative Experience  

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

Who Should Attend?

paper-icon

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 

college-icon

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 

gears-icon

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 

Past Speakers

Dr. Sydnee Dickson

State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Utah State Board of Education 

Dr. Sydnee Dickson has served Utah students for 44 years as a teacher, counselor, and administrator. She joined the Utah State Office of Education in 2007 and became State Superintendent in 2016. With advanced degrees in counseling, administration, and education leadership, she champions student success. She serves on national boards and advises on digital learning, educator support, and innovation in education policy.

Deniece Thomas

Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner 

Commissioner Deniece Thomas joined the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development in 2007 and has held roles from Assistant Commissioner to agency leader. She chairs the National Governor’s Association’s Association of Liaisons, serves on the National Association of State Workforce Agencies board, and collaborates with southeastern leaders. She’ll join a panel on connecting K-12, higher ed, and workforce policy.  

Dr. Javaid Siddiqi

President and CEO, The Hunt Institute

Dr. Javaid Siddiqi, former Virginia Secretary of Education, is President & CEO of The Hunt Institute, leading its strategy and vision. A trusted thought partner, he collaborates with officials to shape education policy. He will moderate a panel of state education leaders discussing innovations in college and career pathways, workforce readiness, certifications, apprenticeships, and efforts to prepare students for life after high school. 

Dr. Melissa Vito

Vice Provost for Academic Innovation, University of Texas San Antonio

Melissa Vito is a nationally recognized leader in higher education, with over 35 years of experience driving student success and institutional innovation. In 2018, Melissa joined the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) as Vice Provost for Academic Innovation. Under her leadership, UTSA Online has risen into the top 20% of all online programs nationwide, according to U.S. News & World Report. She also established the Academic Innovation Center, a collaborative hub for faculty and students, and spearheaded UTSA’s pioneering efforts in integrating Generative AI into education.