Jobs for the Future

09/01/2026

The biggest education and workforce challenges cannot be solved by one organization—or one sector—working alone.

That’s why the Pathways to Prosperity (PtoP) National Institute is designed for cross-sector teams from K-12, postsecondary education, workforce, government, industry, intermediaries, and community organizations.

Over two days in Seattle, teams will learn together, exchange strategies with peers from across the country, and spend dedicated time reflecting on how new ideas can strengthen their own pathways work.

Participants won’t just leave with notes from a conference. They’ll leave with shared priorities, practical next steps, and stronger alignment across the partners responsible for moving the work forward. We encourage teams to attend together so they can learn, plan, and apply new ideas as a group—and teams of five or more receive a team discount.

If your team is building or strengthening education-to-career pathways, we’d love to hear from you. Attendance is by invitation only. Submit an interest form today >> https://jfflink.org/4qQ2jH2

Learn more about PtoP: https://jfflink.org/4gKIk7Q

08/28/2026

High-quality pathways do not scale on vision alone.

They require shared ownership, aligned resources, and real coordination across K-12, postsecondary, workforce, and employer partners.

Our new publication, in partnership with the Launch initiative, explores how regional collaboratives can help states move from fragmented efforts to coherent pathways systems that are more accessible, more responsive, and better built to last.

Follow the link to read the piece: https://hubs.la/Q04vBKf70

Learn more about our pathways work through Pathways to Prosperity (PtoP) >> https://hubs.la/Q04vBY-R0

Regional collaboratives are redefining how cross-sector partners collaborate to advance high-quality pathways for learners.

08/25/2026

Adult learners are a critical part of the postsecondary landscape—and creating pathways that support their success requires rethinking how education is designed and delivered.

Through our ELEVATE postsecondary network, JFF is advancing approaches that center adult learners and create more flexible pathways to education, credentials, careers, and economic advancement.

From new models and strategies to our work with partners, we're exploring what it takes to build postsecondary systems that better respond to the needs and experiences of adult learners.

Explore JFF's Adult Learners work and learn more about how we're putting this vision into action >> https://hubs.la/Q04tD7N10

JFF works with colleges, states, and partners to design flexible, learner-centered pathways that help adults complete educational goals and achieve economic mobility.

08/14/2026

Young people need pathways that provide structure without locking them in too early.

That’s why flexible pathway design matters. When students can test interests, access meaningful work-based learning, and move toward postsecondary credentials without losing momentum, pathways become more equitable, more relevant, and more built to last.

Through the Launch Initiative, our latest blog highlights how states are designing for that future now.

Follow the link to read more: https://hubs.la/Q04t3_RF0

Learn more about our pathways works through our Pathways to Prosperity (PtoP) network >> https://hubs.la/Q04t3YyW0

In this guide, you’ll learn how Jobs for the Future’s Pathways to Prosperity (PtoP) Network supports state and regional leaders in building education-to-career systems that work—for learners, employers, and communities.

08/12/2026

The next Pathways to Prosperity (PtoP) National Institute will take place October 28–29 in Seattle, WA.

The Institute brings together cross-sector pathways leaders, policymakers, educators, workforce organizations, and intermediaries from across the country for two days of interactive conversations, hands-on learning, and shared problem-solving around what it takes to design and scale pathways that connect young people to meaningful careers.

Space is limited and attendance is by invitation only. If you’re interested in attending—or would like to invite a colleague to join—complete our brief interest form to express your interest. >> https://hubs.la/Q04sShd30

Learn more about PtoP >> https://hubs.la/Q04sSkpx0

08/11/2026

What will it take to make high-quality work-based learning available to every learner?

In this upcoming Pathways to Prosperity (PtoP) webinar, we'll explore new policy recommendations and implementation strategies that can help education and workforce leaders strengthen pathways connecting young people to meaningful careers.

We'll discuss how states and regions can:

• Expand access to high-quality work-based learning
• Strengthen partnerships between educators and employers
• Explore innovative models, including work-based courses
• Advance policies that better connect learning and work

Follow the link to register >> https://hubs.la/Q04sCdxC0

Learn more about PtoP >> https://hubs.la/Q04sCkfX0

07/16/2026

States can strengthen their regional economies and improve family well-being when student parents become visible in policy and practice.

Join us on July 22 from 1pm-2pm ET for a cross-state learning session with leaders from North Carolina and Wisconsin. Participants will hear how both states are using student voice, data, and early implementation to build local champions, strengthen buy-in, and connect support for student parents to broader goals for family economic advancement and workforce strength.

This session will offer participants a view on how different state leaders surface strategies that are gaining traction. Attendees will leave with practical insights for activating champions, building momentum, and advancing systemic change in their own contexts.

Follow the link to register >> https://hubs.la/Q04pPh3X0

Follow the link to learn more about JFF's work to support family economic advancement >> https://hubs.la/Q04pPlVd0

07/09/2026

Meet Zara Holland, a 2026 Horizons Ambassador.

As someone who stepped away from education to care for a family member, Zara understands how difficult it can be for young people to navigate education and the job market while balancing life’s realities.

For Zara, a quality job is one that is accessible, offers opportunities for growth, provides a predictable income, and creates a safe environment that encourages both collaboration and autonomy.

There’s still time to join Zara and fellow ambassadors at as we explore what it will take to create more pathways to quality jobs for the next generation.

Register today: https://hubs.la/Q04n-_Rm0

07/06/2026

“We can't keep pretending like this is normal.”

Meet Dawn, a 2026 Ambassador from Northeast Philadelphia.

For Dawn, a quality job isn't just about getting paid. It's about stability, respect, and having a real path forward. But too many people still face barriers that make those opportunities harder to reach.

At Horizons, ambassadors like Dawn help ground conversations about the future of education and work in lived experience and the realities young people face every day.

There's just one week to go until we gather in Washington, DC, to explore what it will take to expand access to quality jobs and economic mobility for all. https://hubs.la/Q04nGhx_0

07/02/2026

Continuing our Ambassador Spotlight series: meet Christopher Hendrix!

Based in Los Angeles, Christopher joins the 2026 Ambassador cohort with a clear vision of what quality jobs should provide: opportunities to learn by doing, grow through exposure, and contribute to work that feels meaningful.

“60% of Americans lack quality jobs. Let’s change that together.”

Join us July 13–14 in Washington, DC, as we explore solutions that expand access to opportunity and economic mobility. https://hubs.la/Q04npR4Y0