Register today!
May 5-7, 2025 | Washington, D.C.
2025 SKILLS SUMMIT SCHEDULE
1:00 - 1:35
Welcome
Words from Comcast, Presenting Sponsor
CEO Ted Talk from Robert Espinoza
1:35 - 2:00
Mainstage Plenary - The Narratives that Shape Us
Stories shape how we see the world—and they influence public perceptions of work, education, and society as a whole. How we talk about skills, learners, workers, and opportunity can shape policy decisions and public support. This panel brings together narrative change experts to share key insights, messaging strategies, and the latest research on how narratives around work and education are evolving.
2:00 - 2:30
Networking Break
2:30- 3:30
Concurrent Sessions (Related to NSC Issue Campaigns)
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From Policy to Practice: Closing the Digital Divide
Explore how state and federal initiatives shape digital skills from policy to practice. This session unpacks workforce-aligned broadband strategies, community partnerships, and urgent advocacy needs for funding digital skills and connectivity—including the future of the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Supporting Today's Students: Smarter Policies, Stronger Futures
From financial aid to holistic student supports, this session explores how states are using policy to make college and career pathways more accessible. Hear insights from states participating in our Expanding College & Career Possibilities initiative and learn how federal funds and legislation—like Short Term Pell—can drive lasting change.
From Federal Dollars to Local Jobs: Infrastructure Investments in Action
Historic infrastructure and clean energy investments through the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law could create 19 million new jobs, opening opportunities for workers and businesses. But with Congress considering changes, what does the future hold? Join this session for key updates on these investments, their role in driving quality job growth, and strategies for effectively communicating about their importance to policymakers.
The WIOA Roadmap: What’s Next and What States Can Implement Today
Get an inside look at what’s on the horizon for WIOA under the new Congress, following its near-passage last year. This session will also highlight innovative practices that states can implement right now, even before reauthorization, with insights from NSC’s WIOA Advisory Council to help states maximize their impact today.
3:30 - 4:00
Networking Break
4:00 - 4:45
Mainstage Plenary - From Worker Voice to Workforce Solutions
When workers and learners have a seat at the table, workforce and education policies are stronger and more effective. This session will explore innovative strategies to ensure workers are heard, valued, and positioned as decision-makers across all sectors—especially in a time when many feel unheard. Featuring workers, learners, and advocates, the discussion will highlight how diverse voices can help shape workforce and higher education policies that reflect real needs and opportunities.
8:00 - 9:00
Breakfast
9:00 - 9:15
Mainstage Dr. Alma Salazar Bridge Builder Award
9:15 - 9:45
Mainstage Plenary - The Fight for Skills and Good Jobs in the States
State leaders and advocates are driving bold workforce and skills policies that create real opportunities for workers and businesses. This session will highlight effective strategies for advancing skills agendas, engaging policymakers, and building momentum. Attendees will hear state perspectives, gain insights from on-the-ground successes, and walk away with actionable ideas to strengthen their own advocacy efforts.
9:45 - 10:15
Networking Break
10:15 - 11:15
Concurrent Sessions (Focused on Advocacy, Coalition-Building, and Communications Strategies)
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Behind the Win: Lessons from Successful Skills Advocacy
Every policy win is worth celebrating—but how do we get there? This session takes a deep dive into advocacy success stories, unpacking the strategies, challenges, and lessons learned along the way. Join fellow skills advocates to reflect, share insights, and strengthen your approach to winning policy change.
Legislating Skills: What’s Moving in Congress?
Get an insider’s look at the latest legislative action on skills policy in the 119th Congress. Hear directly from key Hill staff, including members of the House Education and Workforce Committee, as they break down priorities, challenges, and the evolving bipartisan landscape. Gain valuable insights into what’s ahead for workforce development policy—and what it means for advocates like you.
Communicating in Polarized Times: Challenges and Strategies
In an increasingly polarized climate, organizations and leaders must navigate complex conversations with care. And with words and language under heightened scrutiny, finding the right message and communication strategy is more important than ever. This session brings together experts from various backgrounds to share insights, real-world experiences, and strategies for communicating effectively in divisive times.
Workforce Development, Powered by Business
Business engagement is critical to building effective workforce development programs that meet industry needs. This session will explore federal and state policies, including industry sector partnerships, apprenticeships, and business tax credits, that strengthen these connections and help workers access in-demand jobs.
11:15 - 11:45
Networking Break
11:45 - 1:00
Lunch
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Mainstage Founder's Circle Award
Mainstage Plenary - Skills Policies to Support Workers in an AI Economy
As AI reshapes industries, workforce policies must evolve to ensure workers have the skills needed to adapt and thrive. This session will explore AI’s real-world impact on workers and communities, highlighting both challenges and opportunities. Through a candid discussion, attendees will gain insights into how AI is changing the workforce today—and what policies can help workers adapt and succeed in this new era.
1:00- 1:30
Networking Break
1:30- 2:30
Concurrent Sessions (Related to New NSC Initiatives)
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The Untapped Power of Non-Degree Credentials
Discover how non-degree credentials open doors for both workers and employers. Hear firsthand from students about the information they need to choose the right credentials, and from employers about the information they need when hiring workers that complete these programs. Plus, explore how advocates are pushing for better data policies to ensure students and businesses have the insights they need to make informed decisions.
The Intersection of Immigration & Skills Policies: Aligning Efforts
This session brings together immigration and skills policy to help advocates navigate political divides. Learn how to effectively connect immigration conversations with workforce development, and hear from experts in both immigration advocacy and skills development. Discover how to advocate for immigrant workers in a way that aligns with broader skills policy goals.
Stronger Policies for Stronger Care
Care workers and families are at the heart of our communities, yet they often face barriers that need urgent policy attention. This session will feature experts discussing the intersection of care and skills policies, followed by attendees breaking into smaller groups to discuss key areas of focus, both for state and federal advocacy.
2:30- 3:00
Networking Break
3:00- 3:45
3:45- 4:00
4:00- 5:00
Mainstage Plenary - Beyond the First 100 Days: Economic Policy Shaping
the Workforce ​
From trade and tariffs to workforce investments, economic policies set the stage for job creation, business success and worker opportunities. This session will feature a dynamic Q&A with national experts on the impact of other policy areas on the workforce, and workforce on those. It will also include an interview with leading policymakers, offering insights on the legislative landscape, economic policy priorities, and what’s next for workers and businesses.
Networking Break
Mainstage Strategy Session - Taking it to Capitol Hill​
Leveraging Philanthropy to Support Workforce Strategies in a Shifting Landscape" – Closed Working Session for Philanthropic Partners ​
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7:00 - 8:45 am
9:00 - 4:00 pm
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Breakfast
Skills Summit on Capitol Hill
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Equipping Workers, Building Futures Congressional Briefing
Public Voices on Workforce Needs: A Roundtable Discussion for State Agency Leaders (Invitation Only)