ConnectED recently visited North Kansas City Schools for an experiential site visit, highlighting real-world learning in action.

#northkansascityschools

We’re grateful to be part of a national movement focused on expanding meaningful pathways for every student.

—a powerful example of what’s possible when districts build strong systems and community partnerships.
Moments like this remind us that real change happens when educators, leaders, and partners work together across classrooms, districts, and states.

We were especially proud to see our partners at Gallup‑McKinley County Schools share their progress. This year, 66% of GMCS seniors will graduate having earned pathway‑aligned dual credit or completed a work‑based learning capstone...

The conversations highlighted how states and districts are working together to expand opportunity for young people, from aligning workforce and education systems in Ohio to strengthening college and career pathways nationwide.

Photo shows AcceleratED Conference. Text reads: "GMCS and ConnectED at AcceleratED Conference: Expanding Opportunity Together"

Gallup-McKinley County Schools materials

It was energizing to join colleagues from across the country at the AcceleratED convening hosted by the Gates Foundation.

If you joined us on site, we’d love to hear what stood out to you.

And if you have interest in joining our next site visit, sign up here be notified when registration opens: connectednational.org/experiential...

We’re grateful to the NKC team for opening their doors, sharing their work, and creating space for honest reflection. These visits remind us how much is possible when districts stay committed to continuous improvement and collaboration.

From classroom visits to conversations with educators and leaders, the day offered a clear picture of how NKC is building real‑world learning experiences that prepare students for what comes next.

We wrapped up another meaningful Experiential Site Visit with North Kansas City Schools, a district that continues to model what strong pathway implementation looks like in practice.

connectednational.org/learn/events...

Why? To take back these real-world-rooted learnings and plan next steps for their own districts. Our Experiential Site Visits exist for the same reason we give students opportunities to engage in real-world learning: If you can’t see it, you can’t be it.

Teachers circled around a table at an Experiential Site Visit.

Starting next week, ESV attendees will tour four NKC high schools to see the work of career-connected learning in action. They’ll meet directly with district leaders and will participate in collaborative deep-dive sessions that drive instructional transformation.

He emphasizes the power of teamwork: "It’s important that everyone is involved to create a successful initiative." Discover how group participation can lead to successful outcomes in your own district.

Photo of Arnel Dela Cruz with text caption that reads: "Intent is not enough. To create lasting change, you need intentional design and teamwork!"

Meet Arnel Dela Cruz, who has attended several Experiential Site Visits to gain insight into effective pathway implementation.

Participants from past visits describe the experience as “amazing,” “inspirational,” and “informative,” often pointing to the pride and professionalism of NKC students and staff.

→ Designed learning that blends academics, technical instruction, and real work‑based experiences.
→ Scaled this model across a large district of comprehensive neighborhood schools.

Over the past several years, NKC has:

→ Built a districtwide network of schools centered on college and career pathways.
→ Engaged business, industry, and civic leaders in deep, sustained partnerships.

Teachers at KC Tech Academy

What does it look like when an entire district commits to a unified, collaborative approach to college and career pathways?

NKC Schools is about to show it again. This year’s Experiential Site Visit offers a fresh, up‑close look at a system that’s fully aligned and delivering.

NKC Schools knew this vision required a new kind of high school, one where every student can explore real interests, apply their learning, and chart a clear path toward their future. And that work is now well underway.

Through collaboration with local businesses and educators, they developed the Portrait of a Graduate, a shared vision of essential attributes needed for future readiness. This initiative aims to implement programs that connect students with real-world experiences.

A district ready for change: five years ago, NKC Schools embarked on a journey that began with an urgent question, “How do we ensure every student leaves high school with the skills, experiences, and confidence needed to succeed in college, career, and life?”

www.nkcschools.org/district/dep...

"What an amazing experience and a fantastic opportunity! Thank you for your wonderful work in facilitating this event. I am truly impressed and inspired to bring this back to our school." - Past NKC Experiential Site Visit Participant

Banner for event, text reads: North Kansas City Experiential Site Visit, Kansas City, Missouri, March 10-12, 2026

Join us for the North Kansas City Experiential Site Visit! March 10-12, 2026; The last day to register is Wednesday 3/4/26.

The day was filled with inspiring keynotes, career panels, workshops, and an open mic! The Creative Careers Leadership Lab produced the event, and it was the first of its kind in Oakland! Previous GRID Summits have only been held in LA. Oakland pathways are on the move!

Art from OUSD's Grid Creativity Summit

Congratulations, OUSD! On February 19th, over 200 OUSD students from Arts, Entertainment, and Design CTE programs in middle and high schools gathered at Oakstop and the California Ballroom for the GRID Creativity Summit.

Working Towards Equity:A Partnership Approach in the Great Lakes YouTube video by ConnectEd

True equity requires more than a statement—it requires a partnership. This initiative is proof that regional collaboration can move the needle on student outcomes.

Check out the full story here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPQd...

🛠️ The Workforce Connection: By aligning high school curriculum with actual regional economic needs, they are creating a seamless transition from the classroom to the professional world.

⚖️ Equity by Design: This isn't just about general improvement; it’s about specifically dismantling barriers for students of color and low-income families.

Key takeaways:
📍 Collaboration over Competition: Four communities (including Columbus and Rockford) are working in a "Community of Practice" to share what works in real-time.