Bold Paths.
Bright Futures.
Designing Pathways from
Kindergarten to Career
The success of tomorrow starts with the bold choices we make today.
The 2026 Bold by Choice Summit brings together leaders, educators, students, policymakers, advocates, and employers to reimagine what young people need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Students’ futures depend on the connection between K–12, higher education, and the workforce. This Summit is where those worlds intersect to create real choices, real pathways and real opportunities.
More than a conference, it’s a working space for leaders committed to building bold paths and brighter futures for every student. Join us April 27-29, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Michigan!
Early Bird Rate: $450
General Rate: $550
Connect on the App
Speak at the Event!
Share your ideas at the Bold By Choice Summit 2026! We're looking for visionary educators, employers, innovators, researchers, and community partners to lead these important conversations for the future of learning and workforce development.
Submission Deadline: February 13, 2026
Become a Sponsor
We look forward to partnering with you to create meaningful, lasting change in education. Add your ideas and solutions to the conversation as we bring together people shaping career pathways in communities across the country.
Schedule
Monday, April 27
6:00 - 8:00 P.M. Welcome Reception
Tuesday, April 28
9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Sessions & Workshops
6:00 - 10:00 P.M. Bold By Choice Gala
Wednesday, April 29
8:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. School Tours
Book Your Hotel
- Hotel hosting Tuesday's keynote and breakout sessions
- 12 min. walk to the Welcome Reception venue (Founders Brewing Co.)
- 11 min. walk to the Awards Gala venue (The Rutledge)
- 3 minute walk to Tuesday's keynote and breakout sessions (JW Marriott)
- 9 minute walk to the Welcome Reception venue (Founders Brewing Co.)
- 10 minute walk to the Awards Gala venue (The Rutledge)
Who Should Attend?
- K–12 leaders from all school types: Charter, district, innovation, magnet, private, and faith-based schools, as well as school and network leaders, principals, deans, counselors and management organization team members
- Authorizers and system leaders: Charter authorizers, central office leaders, and SEA/LEA stakeholders
- Boards and governance teams: Board members, directors, and those who support them
- Business and industry partners: Healthcare systems, manufacturing, STEM and tech companies, skilled trades, construction, logistics, aviation, automotive, hospitality, and more
- Higher education and training partners: Community colleges, universities, and apprenticeship and credential providers
- Community, parent, and youth organizations
If you are asking, “How do we build a stronger bridge from school to what’s next?” — you belong at the Bold By Choice Summit.
What You’ll Gain
The Bold By Choice Summit is intentionally designed to:
- Inspire and refuel leaders across K–12, business, and higher education
- Connect K–12 learning with real postsecondary opportunities: degrees, credentials, apprenticeships, high-wage jobs, and meaningful work
- Break down silos between schools, industries, and communities so students aren’t left to navigate on their own
- Spark partnerships that turn ideas into new programs, pathways, and opportunities in local communities
You’ll leave feeling:
- Inspired by what’s already possible in schools and workplaces
- Equipped with practical models, tools, and partnerships you can bring to your communities
- Connected with new collaborators from classrooms, board rooms, campuses, and shop floors
Ready to Join Us?
Don’t miss this transformative event that will redefine how we measure school success. Reserve your spot today!
Download the App!
Get the most out of the your Bold By Choice Summit experience by connecting with your peers on the Whova app. Don't miss out! Most of the communication will happen here.
Get our official event app,
Get the most out of the app and have a more productive experience!
1
NAVIGATE the event agenda and logistics, even without Wi-Fi or data. Access useful information like ridesharing and local attractions through the Community Board
2
NETWORK effectively. Plan whom to meet by exploring attendee profiles and sending out messages
3
PARTICIPATE in event activities through session likes, comments, ratings, live polling, tweeting, and more
