For the previous three years, Getting Smart has hosted regional New Pathways events sponsored by Britebound across the country, with the latest taking place in the great city of Chicago.
District and school leaders, educators, intermediaries, funders, and workforce organizations gathered to better understand how Chicago was preparing students for life and the workforce, with a focus on two specific strands: entrepreneurship and the arts.
The convening was hosted by Getting Smart and featured leaders like Shawnee Caruthers, Victoria Andrews, and Liz Texeira, alongside an inspiring slate of speakers and panelists. Keynote speaker Kara May from Art in Motion set the stage, followed by interactive panels and sessions with representatives from Future Founders, Uncharted Learning, Lincoln Lodge Comedy Club, and Big Picture Learning. Panelists and facilitators explored topics ranging from entrepreneurial mindsets to connecting through comedy and youth experiences.
A diverse group of participants and attendees from across the educational ecosystem joined the event, including school district leaders, foundation partners, and innovative educational organizations.