National Pathways Summit 2025

Kellogg Conference Hotel Capitol Hill
at Gallaudet University

We are the National Pathways Initiative, a national federation of a diverse group of cross-sector leaders from education, business, government and political leaders from both parties, the Civil Rights community, non-profit organizations and student groups. Together we will build a more responsive and productive educational system through proven pathway strategies.

We urge policymakers, educators, business leaders, and community organizations to join us in championing this critical initiative and investing in the future of our nation.

Featured 2025
Summit Speakers

Amy Klobuchar, US Senator

John Hickenlooper, US Senator

Governor Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland

Governor Mark Gordon, Governor of Wyoming

Governor Spencer Cox, Governor of Utah (via simulcast)

Governor Kathy Hochul, Governor of of New York

John B. King Jr., Chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY), Former United States Secretary of Education

Rashid Ferrod Davis, Founding Principal of P-TECH

Don Haddad, Superintendent at St. Vrain Valley School District (Longmont, CO)

Anne Kress, President at Northern Virginia Community College

Dr. Philomena Mantella, President of Grand Valley State University (Allendale, MI)

Dr. Christopher Reber, President of Hudson County Community College

Attendees across education, business, labor and civil society demonstrated the unity that exists around the importance of breaking down silos and making a clear pathway available to all students, not just some.

National Pathways Initiative
Core Management

Stanley Litow

Chair

Stan is one of the nation’s most accomplished leaders of effective education reform.

Jeff Wasden

State Business Executives

Jeff is a proven leader in fostering collaboration among business executives.

Amanda Antico

Director

Amanda has vast experience as an educational and organizational development strategist.

Kristen Fox

Business-Higher Education Forum

Kristen is a leader working at the intersection of education, digital learning, and workforce development.

Megan Peiffer

assistant
Director

Megan is an experienced senior legal, policy, and business strategist.

Portia Pusey

Research

Portia is a research consultant and evaluator specializing in education.

NATIONAL PATHWAYS SUMMIT

March 16, 2023 at the JW Marriott Washington D.C.

On March 16, a highly effective team produced a breakthrough Pathways Summit that was a clear differentiator within the pathways landscape. Under the direction of our Summit leadership team, nearly 300 key stakeholders filled the Summit with energy and enthusiasm. The hi-profile agenda showcased how the field could bring exemplary successful efforts in this domain to scale and make them sustainable. Attendees across education, business, labor and civil society demonstrated the unity that exists around the importance of breaking down silos and making a clear pathway available to all students, not just some.

While the Summit was an overwhelming success, the next step is even more important. We need to unite on a path forward to implement the Call To Action, help states and districts meet their goals, and commit to a future Summit where we can all track progress, recognize success and provide accountability for actions.

The challenge we're addressing

Coming out of the pandemic, the United States has experienced the first decline in high school graduation rates in decades as well as a troubling drop in community college enrollments. More worrying, those most affected are historically underserved students, including low-income and students of color whose academic achievement levels are already lagging their peers.

This crisis threatens to weaken the economy as many employers are experiencing significant problems finding employees with the education and skills needed in the workplace. It also jeopardizes our efforts to create a more equitable and engaged society, which is so essential to strengthening our democracy.