2026 Next Generation Youth Summit

Description

Youth Summit 2026
March 3, 2026
The Ware Center of the Arts
Lancaster, PA 

General Session Information

Opening Panel: Connecting the Throughline: How Systems Shape Youth Pathways 
Anna Ramos, Moderator; Panel - John Bridgen, Alex Colon, Maya Fenner, Jill Hackman, and John Robbins 

Young people do not experience education, workforce, and employment as separate systems—they experience a single journey. This general session invites leaders from K–12, career and technical education, postsecondary institutions, and industry to explore how breaking down silos can create a stronger, more coherent throughline from early exploration to meaningful careers. Together, panelists will reflect on what it takes to design pathways that are connected, flexible, and responsive to the next generation, and how shared ownership across systems can unlock better outcomes for youth and employers alike.

Closing Panel: Listen to Us: Youth on Navigating Work, School, and Systems

Young people are often asked to navigate education, training, and employment systems that were not designed with their realities in mind. In this panel, youth participants share their lived experiences moving through school, work, and support systems, including what helped, what got in the way, and what needs to change. Through honest reflection and firsthand insight, this session centers youth voices and highlights how more flexible and responsive systems can better meet young people where they are.

Panel - Scott Capwell, Reyta Charles, Marie Cineus, and Sanji Diaz

The Ware Center of the Arts
Lancaster, PA  

Address: 42 N. Prince St. Lancaster PA  17603

Parking: It is recommended to park in the Prince St. Parking Garage

Please email info@pawork.org for assistance!