2018 Western Pathways Conference

The 2018 Western Pathways Conference is uniquely focused on an issue central to the future of our economy and society: how can we build an education and workforce development system that will prepare ALL young adults for careers leading to economic independence?

This will be an action oriented conference in which teams from the participating states will work together to develop plans for addressing such issues as the skills gap, strengthening connections between business and education, providing high-quality career development and career pathways, and much more.

The Western Pathways Conference will attract national leaders from business, education, government and philanthropy to share knowledge, experience, ideas, and best practices.The Conference is organized and hosted by the Global Pathways Institute at Arizona State University in partnership with the Utah Governor's Office of Economic Development, Business-Higher Education Forum, Education Commission of the States, and the Colorado Business Roundtable.

The Global Pathways Institute at Arizona State University hosted the 2017 Western Pathways Conference in Denver, Colorado. The Institute also hosted the 2015 and 2016 Southwest Pathways Conferences in Scottsdale, Arizona. Last year's Western Pathways Conference attracted 325 participants from 27 states and over 90% of surveyed attendees said they would recommend that a colleague attend this year's conference. Because of this success and the requests from states outside of the Southwest to get involved, the Global Pathways Institute and our partners have expanded the conference to include all 19 western states.

The Global Pathways Institute at Arizona State University is committed to creating an America in which all young people are prepared to lead productive and successful lives. We believe that providing young people with high-quality career development and multiple pathways is the best way to help them discover and develop their potential and achieve economic independence.