EXCLUSIVE EVENT
FutureFWD Summit by YouScience
Pre-registration is now closed. Walk-in attendees are welcome. For questions or information, please contact [email protected].

FutureFWD Summit agenda

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Registration & networking

9:30 a.m. – 9:35 a.m.
Welcome & opening remarks
Amy Bradley, Sr Territory Manager for Ohio, East Division Lead, YouScience

9:35 a.m. – 10:05 a.m.
Brightpath vision: What’s new and what’s next
Edson Barton, CEO and co-founder, YouScience

Collaboration & Q&A: 10:05 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Keynote presentation | Your hidden genius: Connecting aptitudes to career opportunity
Betsy Wills, Co-Founder, YouScience, and Author of Your Hidden Genius

10:45 a.m. – 10:55 a.m.
Coffee & restroom break

10:55 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Best practices in engaging schools & building a career-connected pipeline
Andrea Smith, Superintendent, North Point Educational Service Center

11:15 a.m. – 11:35 a.m.
Making an impact with career navigation
Katie Grothaus, Career Navigator, Montgomery County Educational Service Center

11:35 a.m. – 11:55 a.m.
Sinclair: Impacting student success with YouScience
Marquez Young, Director of Admissions, Sinclair Community College
Dani Heeter, Director of Work-Based Learning, Sinclair Community College

Collaboration & Q&A: 11:55 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.

12:05 p.m. – 12:35 p.m.
Lunch break

12:35 p.m. – 12:55 p.m.
In-demand careers: Connecting talent to workforce
Horton Hobbs, Vice President of Economic Development, Greater Springfield Partnership

Collaboration & Q&A: 12:55 p.m. – 1:10 p.m.

1:10 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Greater Springfield Partnership: Growing YouScience in schools
Kaitlyn Tyler, Talent and Education Coordinator, Greater Springfield Partnership

Collaboration & Q&A: 1:30 p.m. – 1:40 p.m.

1:40 p.m. – 2:10 p.m.
Employer panel: Partnering with education
Moderator: Amy Donahoe, Director of Workforce Development, Greater Springfield Partnership
Panelists:
  • Lisa Cole, HR Manager, Dole
  • Jen Sirucek, Sr. People Experience Analyst, Assurant
  • Karissa Lisch, HR Manager, Woeber Mustard Manufacturing
  • Christina Walters, CEO, Night Dispatch
Collaboration & Q&A: 2:10 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.

2:20 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Closing remarks & adjourn

Join us for the 2025 FutureFWD Summit by YouScience

  • Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
  • Time: 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
  • Location: The Hollenbeck Bayley Creative Arts & Conference Center (Grand Hall)—275 South Limestone Street, Springfield, Ohio 45505
  • Cost: FREE (lunch and giveaways included)
This exclusive event unites Ohio’s top leaders in education, industry, and government to collaborate on shaping the future of career-connected learning. As one of our hand-selected attendees, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with thought leaders, explore data-driven strategies, and network with key stakeholders. Your insights and expertise will help drive real solutions that impact student success and workforce readiness.

Why attend?

Imagine a future where your district’s students are more engaged, better prepared, and actively pursuing careers that align with their strengths. At the FutureFWD Summit, you’ll discover how YouScience can support your district in improving key performance metrics—whether it’s increasing student engagement, boosting graduation rates, or filling CTE courses with students on a path toward success.

Through real-world examples and thought-provoking discussions, you’ll learn innovative ways to engage students, parents, and educators in meaningful career exploration and planning. You’ll also leave with new strategies for building stronger partnerships with industry leaders, ensuring your district is not just keeping pace with the future, but actively shaping it.

Featured speakers

Betsy Wills (keynote)
YouScience co-founder
Author of Your Hidden Genius
Edson Barton
CEO & co-founder
YouScience
Amy Donahoe, Kaitlyn Tyler, and Horton Hobbs
with employer partners from Dole, Assurant, Woeber Mustard Mfg & Night Dispatch
Katie Grothaus
Career Navigator
Montgomery County Educational Service Center
Andrea Smith
Superintendent
North Point Educational Service Center
Marquez Young, Director of Admissions, and Dani Heeter, Director of Work-Based Learning
Sinclair Community College

Have questions? We’re here to help.

If you have any questions about the FutureFWD Summit, please feel free to reach out. Our team is ready to provide the information you need regarding the event details, registration process, or anything else on your mind.

Please note: By attending this event, you agree to be photographed and/or filmed and give permission to use your likeness in promotional and/or marketing materials.