American Student Assistance® (ASA) — a national nonprofit changing the way kids learn about careers and navigate a path to postsecondary education and career success — is a proud sponsor of the upcoming blended high school pathways event, “New Pathways to Real-World Learning Experiences” in partnership with our friends at Getting Smart alongside Real World Learning.
September 17 – 19 in Kansas City, MO this groundbreaking event will spotlight and connect Kansas City schools, local businesses, industry, K12, higher education, community organizations, nonprofits and cultural centers that are forging meaningful partnerships that will shape the future of equitable pathways to success for all students.
As part of the event agenda, American Student Assistance (ASA) will be participating in the following panel discussions.
DAY 1: Tuesday, September 17
Opening Plenary
4:00 – 5:00 PM | Oracle Center – Innovation Campus
Moderated By:
- Shawnee Caruthers, Vice President of Advocacy, Getting Smart
Panelists Include:
- Judy Goldstein, SVP Public Relations Communications & Planning, American Student Assistance (ASA)
- Bill Nicely, Educator in Residence, Kauffman Foundation
- Karla Eslinger, Commissioner of Education, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
- Frank Harwood, Deputy Commissioner, Kansas Department of Education
DAY 2: Thursday, September 19
New Pathways Opening Session
9:00 – 10:00 AM | Oracle Center – Innovation Campus
In this opening session, hosting organizations and representatives of Kansas City will welcome visitors to the convening with goals for our shared time together.
Moderated by:
- Mr. Joshua Reppun, Community Project Lead, What School Could Be
Panelists Include:
- Jean Eddy, President and CEO, American Student Assistance (ASA)
- Shawnee Caruthers, Vice President of Advocacy, Getting Smart
- Bill Nicely, Educator in Residence, Kauffman Foundation
- Brian Crouse, Vice President of Education Programs, Missouri Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Career-Connected Learning
10:15 – 11:00 AM | Oracle Cerner – Innovations Campus
Discover innovative approaches to career-connected learning that immerse students in real-world experiences. Learn about successful models that link education directly to career opportunities, empowering learners to seamlessly navigate and succeed in their chosen pathways.
Moderated by:
- Judy Goldstein, SVP Public Relations Communications & Planning, American Student Assistance (ASA)
Panelists Include:
- Torrence Allen, Principal, Belton School District
- Shannon C. Shelton, Director, Work-Based Learning, North Kansas City School District
- Kerry Lane, Principal, Olathe School District/Olathe East High School
- Torree Pederson, President/CEO, Aligned
- Todd Smith, CEO, Symphony Workforce Foundation
Work Based Learning
10:15 – 11:00 AM | Oracle Center – Innovations Campus
Dig into strategies and best practices for implementing effective work-based learning programs. Discover how partnerships with local businesses can provide students with valuable hands-on experiences.
Moderated by:
- Julie Lammers, SVP of Advocacy & Corporate Responsibility, American Student Assistance (ASA)
Panelists include:
- Yvonne Tsaglis, Assistant Superintendent for College and Career Readiness, DuPage High School District 88
- Andy Hepburn, Chief Innovation Officer, GPS Education Partners
- Alisa Morse, K12 Director, CAPS Network
- Ken Montgomery, Executive Director, Design Tech at Oracle