Our Focus in May: Skills, Strategy, and Shared Solutions

April 30, 2026

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. 

RECENT ARTICLES

Top 10 Hard Truths About Partnerships

By Rana Tarkenton • June 8, 2026
And why they are still wor th it

On the Road This June: Connecting Learning, Workforce & Opportunity

May 27, 2026
From Boulder to the San Luis Valley to Washington, D.C., we’re joining conversations that are shaping the future of learning and work.

Systems are stronger when they are shaped by the people they are meant to serve

May 19, 2026
Our recent L/Earner Voice Symposium offered a powerful reminder that systems are stronger when they are shaped by the people they are meant to serve. The learners and earners who presented Ted Talk-style reflections have worked with education and workforce organizations that value the expertise and lived experiences of learners and earners. They shared honest reflections about the difference between simply inviting young people into conversations and creating environments where their insights and ideas genuinely shape decisions, opportunities, and outcomes. Throughout the discussion, several themes emerged consistently: the importance of authentic engagement, the need for empowering environments where young people feel safe sharing ideas, and the role relationships and mentorship play in building confidence and opportunity. Speakers emphasized that learners are not only participants in education-to-workforce systems — they are experts in the challenges those systems are trying to solve. Panelists also spoke candidly about the barriers many young people face, including financial limitations, self-doubt, and the need for spaces that support both personal growth and guidance. “Young people deserve to get paid for their work,” said Gabriela Chavez, urging organizations to avoid situations where only young people who can afford to participate are the ones who get heard. Our learner and earner speakers also shared inspiring stories about moments when their voices influenced real change — from improving programs and products to advocating for education funding and mentoring others. Anyshya Hemphill had a moment when she learned that her insights and leadership led to 400 young people engaging with the networking guidance provided by the DeBruce Foundation. “That was the moment I was like, okay — wait, what I said actually made a difference.” Thank you to all of our learners and earners who shared their experience.