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

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
From tool to transformation: Activating the power of aptitude in people, systems, and communities
Dr. Joy Rich, Manager, Workforce Development and Community Relationships, Nissan North America

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Creating the foundation
How schools help students discover their talents and connect them to meaningful opportunities
  • Hayden Wilson, M.Ed., School Counselor, Jordan School District
  • Danielle Natter, College and Career Readiness Coordinator, Granite School District
  • Chad Marriott, CTE Coordinator, and  Aaron Yates, CTE Coordinator, Weber School District
  • Amber Jardine, Work-Based Learning Coordinator, and Michelle Gorley, CTE Specialist, Cache County School District
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 
Working lunch

12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m.
What’s new in YouScience
Tools supporting student readiness and career-connected learning
Paul Ashby, Utah Customer Success Manager, YouScience

12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. 
Utah's state vision and system alignment
Connecting education, workforce, and opportunity across Utah
Jonathan Frey, CTE Coordinator, Utah State Board of Education
Edson Barton, CEO and Co-Founder, YouScience

12:45 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. 
Career Connected Learning in action
Real examples of how schools are connecting students to aptitude-aligned careers; Q&As after each session
  • Mindy Bateman, Director, and Arely Guarneros Lopez, Program Coordinator, Crossroads Utah AHEC
  • Angie Pommerening and Jennifer Price, Work-Based Learning Specialists, Jordan School District
  • Dr. Don Mendenhall, Ph.D., CTE and WBL Coordinator, Ogden School District
    • Q&A with an employer spotlight: Brian Janroy, CEO and Co-Founder, Apogee Worx
2:50 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.