CFES Brilliant Pathways

Last week, my team and I had the honor of attending the CFES Brilliant Pathways National Conference, where we led a panel discussion on the transformative impact of AI in reshaping problem-solving and building connections. We also explored strategies for empowering students to develop crucial skills such as critical thinking and adaptability in today’s fast-evolving world. Key takeaways: Embrace the unknown and use it as an opportunity to forge your own path—AI can help guide us, but it can't replace the unique human ability to navigate complexity with intuition and emotion. Value creativity and connection, as these are the aspects that AI cannot replicate. Human ingenuity, empathy, and the ability to build meaningful relationships are what truly drive progress in an ever-evolving world! We are truly grateful to be part of these moments and, above all, value the opportunity to give back by sharing our expertise with administrators who are dedicated to making a lasting impact on students' lives. Thank you CFES Brilliant Pathways #TransPerfect #Connection #AI #EssentialSkills #Education

A huge congratulations to Northern Lehigh Middle School Principal David Hauser and the incredible faculty and staff for being recognized as a 2023-2024 School of Distinction by CFES Brilliant Pathways! This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our educators in ensuring students develop the essential skills needed to thrive in college and careers. A special acknowledgment goes to Mr. Hauser for his outstanding presentation at the annual CFES Brilliant Pathways conference. His ability to articulate the critical connection between K-12 education and the workforce of tomorrow highlights the transformative work happening at Northern Lehigh Middle School. Thank you to the entire NLMS team for your unwavering commitment to student success! #NLSDproud #EssentialSkills

We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors for supporting our 2024 Annual Conference! On November 18-19, in Burlington, VT, our “College & Career AI Revolution: Get Ready Now!” conference brought together educators, students, and business professionals for immersive workshops, engaging sessions, and invaluable networking. Together, we tackled the challenges and embraced the opportunities that Artificial Intelligence brings to education and career development. Your sponsorship was the driving force behind our ability to feature inspiring speakers, transformative breakout sessions, and hands-on learning experiences. Thank you for helping us prepare attendees to navigate and thrive in an AI-driven future!? #ConferenceFES

Educators from the Bronx to Wyoming gathered in Burlington, VT, today for CFES Brilliant Pathways' dynamic conference, “College & Career AI Revolution: Get Ready Now!” The event, which runs through Tuesday, offers an engaging lineup of hands-on sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities for educators and business professionals.? This two-day conference focuses on equipping participants to navigate the challenges students face in education and career development, while exploring the transformative power and potential of AI in shaping future opportunities.? Today’s breakout sessions were filled with energy and inspiration! One highlight was “Reimagining Mentorship,” led by CFES Co-CEO Tara Smith and Program Director Missy Wilkins, where educators exchanged ideas and shared strategies to enhance mentorship in the AI era.? Learn more about this exciting event at https://lnkd.in/efsfFXEW.

How do we make AI fair and accessible for underserved students as they prepare for college and careers? Join us at CFES Brilliant Pathways’ annual conference, “College & Career AI Revolution: Get Ready Now!” on November 18 & 19 in Burlington, VT, to dive into this critical topic. In our breakout session, “Access & Equity in AI: Ensuring College and Career Readiness for All,” we’ll address the powerful impact of AI on education and the workforce—and explore strategies to ensure it bridges, rather than widens, gaps in college and career readiness. Hear from CFES Brilliant Pathways Co-CEO Tara Smith, along with industry experts from TransPerfect, a global leader in translation and AI services. Panelists Jelenny Baez, Dasha Ilazarova, Evan Christopher, and Manaya Colon will share insights from their work in talent acquisition and AI, offering practical perspectives on equity and access in AI. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with leaders and change-makers who are shaping the future of AI in education. For more details on this session, other breakout discussions, and our inspiring lineup of speakers, visit: https://lnkd.in/guhtbYsS #ConferenceFES

Join us for an exciting hands-on session on healthcare careers at the CFES Brilliant Pathways Annual Conference! Be part of “Sparking Interest in Healthcare Careers Through Hands-On Surgical Experiences,” a breakout session at CFES Brilliant Pathways’ annual conference, College & Career AI Revolution: Get Ready Now, happening on November 18-19 in Burlington, VT. With a projected need for 3.2 million new healthcare workers by 2026, now is the time to introduce students to this vital, growing field. Join us for an interactive session that will give you a firsthand look at how hands-on surgical experiences—like suturing, abscess drainage, and tumor excision—can inspire students and connect them to real-world healthcare career paths. We’ll showcase how professional-grade, affordable training models can enhance your career programs, empowering students to develop essential skills and build confidence in the field. Led by CFES GEAR UP Project Director Ron Rix, this session also features Neely and Brooks Fortune of SIM*VIVO, a leader in medical simulation products founded by John Fortune, who are dedicated to helping students sharpen their clinical skills. Don’t miss this unique opportunity! Discover more about this session and explore the full conference agenda of impactful speakers and breakout sessions at https://lnkd.in/guhtbYsS. #ConferenceFES

What do cows, coal, and classrooms have in common? They’re the focus of one of the most intriguing breakout sessions at CFES Brilliant Pathways’ annual conference, "The College & Career AI Revolution: Get Ready Now!" Join us on November 18 & 19 at Hotel Champlain Burlington for two days of dynamic insights into the future of education and careers. In the “Cows, Coal & Classrooms” session, Dr. Colby Gull—Managing Director of the? Wyoming School University Partnership—alongside CFES GEAR UP Project Director Ron Rix, will explore Wyoming’s unique economy. Using cows, coal, and classrooms as key elements, Dr. Gull will discuss the "Economy of Things," "Economy of Skills," and "Economy of Ideas," linking these to career clusters in agriculture, energy, and education. Throughout the conference, inspiring speakers, like thought leader and author Seth Mattison, and leadership guru Alyson Van Hooser, will dive into what’s ahead for education and the workforce. Ready to discover what AI and innovation mean for you? Learn more about *The College & Career AI Revolution: Get Ready Now!* conference and register today: https://lnkd.in/guhtbYsS? Don’t miss it! #ConferenceFES

CFES Brilliant Pathways Co-CEO Tara Smith led a lively mentor training workshop at Cooperstown Central School earlier this month, preparing 11th and 12th graders as peer mentors for middle school students. The students discussed the significance of mentoring, the qualities of a good peer mentor, and were guided through a series of activities to illustrate key elements of the mentor-mentee relationship. These activities will be used by the students as they build relationships with their younger peers. Tara covered practical topics such as active listening, being open to sharing and asking questions, effective verbal and nonverbal communication, adaptability in the face of multiple demands, the power of positivity and finding solutions, and—most importantly—being authentic. In one fun exercise, she presented a variety of random images and asked the students to choose the one that best represented them as a mentor. Each student then shared their individual perspectives. Later in the day, she worked with about 40 6th graders who will serve as peer mentors to kindergarten classes.? CFES Brilliant Pathways has long focused on the power of mentoring and its impact on student success, both in and out of the classroom. “We know that student mentoring creates a host of benefits,“ Tara said. “We see firsthand the profound impact it has on students’ lives.”

CFES GEAR UP is Gearing Up for Year 7! CFES GEAR UP is again fully funded by the US Department of Education and will serve over 2,200 students in our six partner school districts. Services include comprehensive mentoring, Essential Skills development, and exposure to college and career pathways. Students will gain insights into careers through immersive, hands-on experiences and exposure of the high demand careers of the future. In addition, students and families will learn about the value of post-secondary education and acquire the knowledge and skills to apply to and pay for college and complete their degrees. Virtual and in-person campus visits will provide students with a firsthand glimpse of college life. The priorities for Year 7 are: ?? Target and Attain Grant Goals & Objectives ?? Build Capacity to Sustain School-based Programs ?? Strengthen Family Engagement ?? Implement Monthly Anchoring Events ?? Navigate STEM and Computer Science Credentials & Pathways ?? Explore Colleges & Visit Campuses ?? Expose Students to Careers of the Future & the High-Impact Education/Training? ?? Ensure Grade 12 Students Graduate with Postsecondary Plans for College and/or the Workforce Learn more about how CFES GEAR UP helps students capitalize on educational opportunities at https://lnkd.in/exi2pdgr.

We are excited to announce an insightful session at our upcoming conference, where we’ll dive into the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence in higher education. Scott Thomas, President of Sterling College and former dean of the colleges of education at the universities of Vermont and Wyoming, will lead this session. With his extensive leadership in higher education and passion for innovation, Scott brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation on how AI is transforming academic institutions. In this engaging discussion, we will explore: ? How AI is revolutionizing teaching methods ? Personalizing learning experiences and optimizing student support systems ? Driving innovations in research and administration ? The challenges and opportunities AI presents for educators and institutions Join us on November 18 and 19 in Burlington, VT to gain valuable insights into current trends, future possibilities, and how AI is reshaping the academic landscape. Get the full details and register at https://lnkd.in/guhtbYsS.