EXCLUSIVE EVENT
FutureFWD Summit by YouScience
When education and industry work together, students have a brighter future.

Register now

FutureFWD Summit agenda

From aptitude to opportunity: Connecting education to careers

Please be seated and ready to begin at 9 a.m. Feel free to bring your favorite caffeinated beverage to get settled in.

9:00 a.m. – 9:10 a.m.
Welcome & opening remarks
Setting the stage for the day and introducing the student journey: Aptitude → Pathway → Credential → Career
Kellie Openshaw, Utah State Director, YouScience

9:10 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Opening keynote
Dr. Joy Rich, Manager, Workforce Development and Community Relationships, Nissan North America

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Creating a foundation: Students & aptitudes
How schools help students discover their talents and connect them to meaningful opportunities
  • Student Outcome: Hayden Wilson (Jordan SD) – A Counselor’s Story
  • Student Experience: Chad Marriott & Aaron Yates (Weber SD) – Inviting Students into Pathways
  • Student Opportunities: Amber Jardine (Cache County SD) – Work-Based Learning
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 
Lunch break

12:00 p.m. – 12:20 p.m.
What’s new in YouScience
Tools supporting student readiness and career-connected learning

12:20 p.m. – 12:50 p.m. 
State vision & system alignment
Connecting education, workforce, and opportunity across Utah

12:50 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. 
Career Connected Learning in action
Real examples of how schools are connecting students to careers
  • Health Science Career Connections: Mindy Bateman, Director, Crossroads Utah AHEC
  • Career Exploration Models: Angie Pommerening & Jen Price (Jordan SD)
  • Aerospace Career Fair: Don Mendenhall (Ogden SD)
1:50 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Employer panel: Why industry partners matter
Hosted by Matt Baumgartner, Director of Workforce Development, YouScience

2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Closing remarks
Kellie Openshaw, Utah State Director, YouScience

Timing and speakers subject to change.

Join us for the 2026 FutureFWD Summit by YouScience

  • Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Location: Little America Hotel, 500 Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
  • Cost: FREE (lunch, giveaways, and parking validation included)
This exclusive event unites ACTE Region V's top leaders in education and industry to collaborate on shaping the future of career-connected learning. As an attendee, 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 full potential. 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.

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.