What does it take to ensure every learner graduates with purpose, direction and access to opportunity? That question was at the heart of our recent Professional Learning Series session, Pathways and Career Navigation: Insights from the Purposeful Pathways Commission, where local, state, and national education leaders shared a powerful message: this work is gaining traction — and it’s delivering results. District leaders described growing learner engagement and meaningful outcomes emerging from career-connected pathways, including rising graduation rates and improved academic performance. The message was clear: When learners connect their education to purpose and future opportunity, motivation grows. District Leaders Share Insights on Connecting Education to Purpose Cañon City High School has created a culture where every adult is an “Opportunity Guide,” helping ensure career navigation is not the responsibility of their four counselors alone, but part of how the whole system supports students. That mindset reflects a larger culture shift presenters echoed throughout the session: this is not additional work — this is the work. That spirit of shared responsibility was evident across districts. Denver Public Schools announced a growing partnership with the City of Denver to leverage employer relationships to scale work-based learning opportunities to all Denver students. Adams 12 Five Star Schools highlighted systemwide investments in pathways, transition supports and exploratory experiences in elementary, middle and high school. Critical Role for Intermediaries John Garcia, III, emphasized the important role intermediaries play in making this work possible — particularly in employer engagement. With educators pulled in many directions and employers struggling to understand “eduspeak”, intermediaries add capacity, translate across sectors, and help build the trust and shared accountability needed to sustain partnerships. Thank you to all our presenters for sharing their insights: John Garcia III, Ed.L.D. — Co-chair, Commission on Purposeful Pathways Amber Elias — Colorado Education Initiative (on behalf of the Homegrown Talent Initiative) Michelle Camacho Liu — The Attainment Network Samantha Haviland — Denver Public Schools Bill Summers — Cañon City High School Beau Foubert — Adams 12 Five Star Schools Watch a recording of the entire webinar here View slides Check out resources shared during the presentation: Commission on Purposeful Pathways Report: A Launchpad for Life - A Vision for Purposeful Pathways for all Students Pathways to College and Career: Advancing Colorado’s Homegrown Talent Coalition to Lead and Sustain Complex Change CCHS Pathways Handbook Up Next: Our Learner Voice Symposium Don’t miss our next session: L/Earners Leading: Centering Learner Voice in Career-Connected Learning on Monday, May 18 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Learn more.

May is packed with conversations about workforce innovation, civic leadership, and community connection. From national convenings on skills-based hiring and apprenticeship to regional events in the San Luis Valley and statewide strategy discussions, The Attainment Network team is showing up in spaces where ideas turn into action. We’re excited to keep building partnerships, elevating learner voice, and shaping the future of education-to-workforce systems. 🗓️ May 1 🔹 Future Ready Apprenticeship Center Launch — Virtual Katherine will join leaders from across the country for the launch of the Future Ready Apprenticeship Center. Hosted by CareerWise, the event will feature the unveiling of 10 states leading the future of workforce opportunity through Apprenticeship America. 🗓️ May 3–5 🔹 Close It Summit — Santa Fe, N.M. Leaders from across the country will gather at this national convening to explore strategies for closing gaps between education, training, and employment. Stefan and Ashley will join our career navigator, @Okany Rivas , to present our work in the San Luis Valley and join conversations on skills-based hiring, stronger data sharing, and cross-sector partnerships that build a more equitable and effective workforce system. 🗓️ May 4 🔹 Colorado Future Systems Forum: Shaping the Future of Colorado’s Workforce — Denver Rana will join leaders from across Colorado to explore the the social, economic, and behavioral barriers to upskilling and reskilling — and discuss policies needed to strengthen the workforce system. 🗓️ May 7 🔹 Care and Share Recipe for Hope — Monte Vista Bringing together local businesses, organizations, and supporters, this community fundraiser raises awareness and support to address food insecurity across Southern Colorado. Ashley and Wes will attend to support programs that provide meals to individuals and families across the region while connecting with regional partners. 🗓️ May 8 🔹 Alamosa Chamber Arts and Awards Gala — Alamosa Ashley will join community leaders and partners to celebrate leadership, economic development, and cultural contributions in the San Luis Valley. 🗓️ May 11 🔹 EGTC Apprenticeships for All Cohort Session – Denver Libby is facilitating the second session with employers who are focused on strengthening their apprenticeship programs and expanding opportunity for learners and earners. 🔹 Colorado Project Cohort Launch — Virtual A new cohort of civic, political, and private sector leaders from across Colorado will come together to explore challenging policy issues and identify common ground for action. Rana has been invited to participate in the initiative, which aims to turn civil discourse into practical, collaborative solutions for Colorado’s future. 🗓️ May 18 🔹 L/Earner Voice Symposium — Virtual Join us for this interactive session highlighting the power of learner and earner voices through a series of short Ted Talk-style presentations from learners and earners sharing their own experiences navigating education and career pathways. Our presenters are leading the way with development of programs and policies that support career-connected Learning outcomes. Learn more and register . 🗓️ May 19 🔹 Future of Work: From Data Signals to Strategy — Denver Rana and Stefan will join employers, talent leaders, and higher education partners to explore labor market signals and employer-led strategies to keep Colorado competitive. 🗓️ May 21 🔹 CDHE Career and Workforce Development Leaders Convening – Virtual Rana will join this statewide convening focused on career and workforce priorities across Colorado’s higher education system. 🗓️ May 27 🔹 CEEMI Post-Session Legislative Briefing and Recap – Virtual What happened at the Capitol this session—and what does it mean moving forward? This CEEMI briefing will unpack key legislative developments, including updates on HB 1317 and other action affecting education, workforce, and economic mobility. Rana will join partners for the discussion.