College Promise Careers Institute & LA Promise Anniversary Celebration

Join us for a two-day convening gathering leaders from higher education, workforce development, philanthropy, government, and industry. The 2026 College Promise Careers Institute, hosted by College Promise in partnership with the Los Angeles Community College District and celebrating the 10th cohort of LA Promise, will explore how Promise programs are connecting education, skills, and workforce opportunities to unlock economic mobility and regional prosperity. As employers face growing talent shortages, technology reshapes work, and learners increasingly seek clear returns on their educational investments, the more than 450 Promise programs across the country are uniquely positioned to bridge education and employment. Increasingly, Promise programs are evolving from college access initiatives into the infrastructure of workforce readiness, talent development, and economic prosperity. By reducing financial barriers, increasing completion, and connecting learners to career pathways, credentials, and work-based learning opportunities, Promise programs provide powerful infrastructure to advance prosperity for communities and states. Hosted in Los Angeles—a global center of innovation, healthcare, technology, entertainment, and entrepreneurship—the Careers Institute will bring together leaders from education, business, philanthropy, government, and workforce development to advance big ideas and practical solutions to create stronger talent pipelines, flourishing communities, and greater prosperity for all. Key themes and critical questions that will guide the 2026 College Promise Careers Institute: Promise as Workforce Infrastructure How can Promise programs accelerate talent development, workforce readiness, and economic mobility while meeting regional labor market needs? Sustaining the Promise: What partnerships, funding models, and policy strategies are needed to sustain and scale Promise programs in a period of uncertainty and transformation? Communicating Value: From Skills, Credentials, to Returns How can Promise leaders demonstrate and effectively communicate the connection between education, workforce outcomes, earnings, and return on investment? Artificial Intelligence, Emerging Technologies, and the Future of Work What skills, credentials, and learning experiences will learners need to thrive in an AI-enabled economy, and how can Promise programs help prepare them? Partnerships for Talent Development How can colleges, employers, workforce agencies, philanthropy, and government work together to build stronger pathways from education to employment? Accelerating Pathways to Prosperity How can Promise programs design, innovate, and expand access to education, skills training, and career advancement for learners traditionally underrepresented in higher education and the workforce? Registration Options • Early Bird Registration – $299 Available until August 31, 2026. • General Registration – $399 Standard registration for all attendees. • Group Registration – 10% Off Groups of three (3) or more from the same organization receive a 10% discount. Email [email protected] for the Promo Code. • Promise Student Registration – Complimentary Free for Promise students on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited, and advance registration is required. Email [email protected] for the Promo Code. Please note: Ticket prices listed do not include applicable credit card processing fees, which will be added at checkout. Tickets are non-transferable. Hotel Accommodations A limited block of guest rooms has been reserved for Careers Institute attendees at Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE! We encourage participants to book early, as rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis and the discounted group rate is only available until Tuesday, September 22, 2026. Click here to reserve your room today. For information about Sponsorship opportunities or other questions, please contact Michelle Cooper at [email protected]