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.

And thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the conversation as well as the organizations leading the way in valuing learner and earner perspectives: Rocky Mountain Partnership Cradle to Career, DeBruce Foundation, In Tandem, and The Student Experience Podcast. 


To all who attended: Your engagement continues to help move this work forward in meaningful ways.


View the presentation

View the plenary session recording | Passcode: AXDA&MS5

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