2024 Conference Recap

NCWE’s record-breaking Annual Conference, Future-Proofing Workforce Education, inspired new ideas and created momentum for the year ahead. Nearly 450 colleagues gathered in Minneapolis in October, representing community colleges, state and system offices, nonprofit and community-based organizations, workforce and economic development, human services, industry and employer partners, philanthropy, research, policy, and advocacy organizations.  

As the premiere practitioner-driven workforce education conference, 2024’s event featured strategies and programs that propel college and career pathways, strengthen employer and community partnerships, boost data-driven decision making, increase holistic supports and student-centered services, and harness current and emerging technologies. 

The Conference “provided a great opportunity to connect with others from around the nation to share ideas/information on how to better serve our workforce needs!” ~ 2024 Attendee

The annual event helps to amplify and scale what’s working, elevating trusted voices in the space and bringing in new ones. Levers to improve programs, partnerships, and policies are highlighted, recognizing that all three play a role in advancing opportunity across the nation.

Conference content exemplifies what’s possible–with bold and visionary models and ideas—while also providing attendees with the tactical tools to make them a reality. Peer learning, network and community-building are at the heart of the event. 

“The conference was excellent. I appreciated the high level of engagement from others and walked away with so much information.” ~ 2024 Attendee

“The sessions were amazing, I brought back some great tools for non-credit to credit alignment. I also enjoyed the pre-conference session, it provided an opportunity to take a deep dive into some of the challenges ahead for higher education.” ~ 2024 Attendee

Beyond the network building and valuable tools, strategies, and information shared, attendees noted that they left feeling inspired and motivated to future-proof workforce education and drive collective economic prosperity. Please join us in 2025, in Norfolk, Virginia, for the next NCWE Annual Conference.  Please consider supporting this critical work and become a sponsor. Click here to find out about our 2025 Conference!

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