ACT Summit 2025: Connecting K-12, Higher Ed, and Workforce
July 15-17, 2025 | Nashville, Tennessee
The ACT Summit is your opportunity to share innovative ideas, best practices, and insights with leaders in K-12 education, higher education, and workforce development. These sessions are designed for professionals and peers in your field.
Unite, Innovate, Drive Change
Join us at the 2025 ACT Summit, where leaders from K-12, higher education, and workforce sectors come together to solve today's most pressing challenges.
This event is more than just a gathering - it's a dynamic platform for actionable insights and cutting-edge strategies across these interconnected fields. Attendees will have the opportunity to 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.
Featured 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.
Why Attend?
One Summit, Broader Impact
The ACT Summit unites the expertise and focus of Workforce professionals, Higher Ed leaders, and K-12 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.
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.
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.
Transformative Experience
- Immerse yourself in a dynamic, transformative experience in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee.
- Leave with insights that will empower you to lead change and inspire action within your own institution or community.
Over 50 Impactful Sessions
Kick off the ACT Summit with pre-conference sessions focused on workforce development and career readiness on the morning of the first day, featuring engaging discussions and practical takeaways tailored for both workforce leaders and educators. Then dive into over 50 dynamic sessions, including thought-provoking panels, insightful policy and practice sharing, and inspiring keynotes. Each session is thoughtfully designed to provide actionable strategies and ideas you can implement in your institution or community.
Network With Leaders Across Sectors
Forge meaningful connections at the ACT Summit with a variety of networking opportunities designed to inspire collaboration and idea-sharing. Join us for the Welcome Reception on the evening of July 15 to kick off the event in style. Throughout the agenda, enjoy 30-minute networking breaks that give you time to engage with peers and thought leaders. Plus, take advantage of optional leisure activities for relaxed, informal interactions that strengthen professional relationships. Don’t miss this chance to connect across sectors and drive collective progress!
Who Should Attend?
K-12 Education Leaders
Ideal for:
- State Department of Education Leaders
- School and District Administrators
- Career and Technical Education Leaders
- ACT State Organizations Members
Higher Education Leaders
Including:
- Chief Enrollment Officers
- State Higher Education System Leaders
- Higher Ed Executive Leadership
- Student Success Professionals
- Admission and Enrollment Leaders
- Academic Advisors
- Adult Education Specialists
- Past ACT Enrollment Management Summit Attendees
Workforce Professionals
Designed for:
- Workforce and Economic Developers
- Employers
- State Corrections Staff
- Local Workforce Board Directors
- State Workforce Agency Leaders
- Technical and Community College Leaders
- Career Academy Staff
- ACT Work Ready Communities Leaders
- Past ACT Workforce Summit Attendees
What ACT Alumni Have Said
"Being part of ACT-sponsored events has been an enriching journey for me. These experiences not only provided me with valuable insights but also helped me to build strong connections with other educators and workforce professionals. As someone who has walked the halls as a principal and now serves as superintendent, I truly value these opportunities to collaborate with passionate individuals. Together, we are all dedicated to creating a brighter, more prepared future for our students and the communities we serve."
J. Scott Rimes, Ph.D. | Superintendent of Education
Rankin County School District | Mississippi
“After I attend each ACT state organization event, I walk away both enlightened and energized from learning from the presenters and the other people attending the conference. I am thankful for the ability to learn new ideas from both the presenters and attendees who are working to improve outcomes and opportunities for students by increasing ACT scores.”
Allison Castle | Director of Counseling Services
Harnett County Schools | North Carolina
“[ACT] State organization events provide insight into ACT products and future products, which assists with foundational knowledge of the ACT. Not only do these events center on ACT, but they connect educators, various organizations, higher ed, and workforce. These connections lead to a discussion on better preparing K-12 students for college and careers.”
Dr. Sherri Pankhurst | Assistant Superintendent
Cleveland Public Schools | Oklahoma
"I always find attending the ACT Workforce Summit invaluable for anyone passionate about education and workforce development. What other conference do you know of that has significant content and resources for K-12, higher education, adult education, business/industry, non-profits, and workforce development? To convene in one place and share best practices is possibly the highlight of the Summit!
It's a very unique opportunity for educators, specifically adult education, to connect with key leaders across workforce, policy, and economic sectors as strive to gain insight into effective strategies and learn how to integrate those strategies into classrooms and training programs.
I've said this for several years, especially with the implementation of WIOA, that ACT has established itself as a leader in workforce development as it strengthens communities through strategic solutions and products that help create pathways to meaningful employment."
Bronwyn Robertson | Assistant Director for WIOA Compliance
Mississippi College Board Office of Adult Education | Mississippi