Jobs for the Future

What does it actually take to build and scale competency-based education systems that work?

The Direct Assessment Competency-Based Education Implementation Blueprint moves the conversation from theory to implementation — helping states and institutions navigate the policy, instructional, technological, and operational shifts needed to bring skills-first pathways to life.

Developed by JFF in collaboration with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the Success Center for California Community Colleges, the Blueprint breaks the work into actionable phases and offers practical guidance on program design, key decision points, and cross-functional collaboration.

This is what it looks like to put our ELEVATE postsecondary network’s Skills at the Core vision into action. And there’s more to come. The full Blueprint launches this 2026, with deeper implementation guidance and tools for systems advancing innovation in credentialing and pathways.

In the meantime, explore phase one for an early look at what’s ahead >> https://hubs.la/Q04gmKFX0

Every young person should graduate from high school with momentum—strategic college credits in hand and real-world skills already underway.
But too often, access to dual enrollment depends on where students live, what resources their schools have, and how connected local systems are.

Through the Increasing Dual Enrollment Access and Success (IDEAS) initiative, JFF is helping states and colleges rethink how dual enrollment is delivered and scales through a hub model that centralizes operations, streamlines partnership agreements, aligns courses, and expands access for more learners.

As part of the broader work of Pathways to Prosperity (PtoP), IDEAS demonstrates how testing new approaches can turn dual enrollment from fragmented opportunities into a connected and scalable new way of working.

Follow the link to read how the IDEAS hub model is helping tackle some of dual enrollment’s biggest challenges >> https://hubs.la/Q04gGjXt0

Expanding Opportunity Through Dual Enrollment JFF blog: How the IDEAS project's Hub model scales dual enrollment access so every high school student graduates with momentum toward college and career.

France Hoang, Founder and CEO of BoodleBox, is joining the main stage in Washington, DC.

BoodleBox is a collaborative AI platform used by 100+ colleges and universities, 120+ companies, and 100,000+ learners and workers to connect education and work.

A West Point graduate, Distinguished Visiting Lecturer at the U.S. Military Academy, former Associate White House Counsel, and combat veteran with U.S. Army Special Forces in Afghanistan, France brings a rare mix of national security, law, and tech experience.

At Horizons, he will dig into AI readiness, AI literacy, and what students and workers really need to thrive with AI.

Join us July 13–14 in Washington, DC: https://hubs.la/Q04jgMbb0

Will you be attending the ACT Summit this July?

Be sure to join our very own Jerre Maynor, Senior Director at Jobs for the Future, for the plenary session: “Achieving Education and Workplace Success: Priorities Across K-12, Higher Ed, and Workforce.”

This cross-sector conversation will explore how K–12, higher education, and workforce leaders can better align systems to ensure learners are prepared not just for graduation, but for long-term success in college, career, and life. Speakers will discuss what’s working, where gaps remain, and actionable strategies to strengthen student support systems and build clearer, more connected education-to-career pathways.

Date: July 15, 2026
Time: 9:00–9:55 a.m. CT
Location: Griffin Ballroom

Jerre will join:
• Dr. Brandi De La Cruz, 2025–2026 Tennessee Teacher of the Year
• Justin Draeger, Strada Education Foundation
• Angela Jerabek, BARR Center

Follow the link to learn more >>

Agenda - 2026 ACT Summit: Where Policy and Practice Meet Purpose 2026 ACT Summit: Where Policy and Practice Meet Purpose

Building high-quality, skills-first pathways takes more than commitment. It takes coordination, design, and a clear plan for implementation.

The Direct Assessment Competency-Based Education Implementation Blueprint, created by JFF with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the Success Center for California Community Colleges, helps states and institutions navigate the policy, instructional, technology, and operational shifts needed to launch and sustain direct assessment CBE.

Phase 1 is now available, offering an early look at the implementation strategies, cross-functional collaboration, and systems-level planning shaping this work. And there’s more to come.

The full Blueprint launches this summer with deeper guidance and tools to support implementation at scale.

Explore phase one >> https://hubs.la/Q04gjNfV0

🎙️ U.S. Senator Mark Warner is joining the main stage.

As Vice Chairman of the Select Committee on Intelligence and a bipartisan leader on AI, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and economic competitiveness, Senator Warner has been at the center of the policy conversations reshaping the future of work and learning.

A former Governor of Virginia and technology entrepreneur who helped build the companies and industries that defined an era of innovation, he brings a hard-won perspective on what leadership, risk, and opportunity look like when the stakes are real.

Join us in Washington, DC, this July for the conversations shaping what comes next. 📅 https://hubs.la/Q04j3_dN0