On Friday, September 26, 2025, Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio, will become the gathering place for educators, business leaders, students, and community members from across Appalachian Ohio and beyond. The Community & Career Connected Learning (CCCL) Summit is more than just a conference—it’s a movement to transform how we prepare young people for the future while strengthening our communities today.

This year’s theme, “Students as Pathmakers,” puts students’ voices and experiences at the forefront. Attendees will hear about how real-world learning opportunities have shaped students’ futures. Featured sessions will include Ohio Excels: Reality Check Recommendations, strategies for integrating community partnerships into the classroom, and powerful conversations on how student exploration fuels workforce and economic development.

BB2C Network Director Jeremy Ward is excited for this year’s event. He shared, "This summit is a chance for us to practice what we preach. Showcasing our amazing partners across the region and highlighting how community and career connections impact outcomes for students as pathmakers."

Whether you’re a K-12 educator looking to connect classroom learning with career pathways, a business leader seeking to engage with your future workforce, or a community member invested in economic growth, the CCCL Summit is designed for you. Highlights include a legislative listening session, resources for schools and businesses, and networking opportunities that bridge the gap between education and employment.

The CCCL Summit is your chance to join professionals, leaders, educators, and students working together to build thriving communities. Registration is just $50 (free for students!) and includes access to all sessions, resources, and networking opportunities.

Don’t miss the opportunity to help shape the future of education and workforce development in our region. Register by Thursday, September 18, 2025, and be part of the movement to connect students to careers and communities to brighter futures.

Thank you to this year's Summit Sponsors, Peoples Bank and Ohio Natural Energy Institute.

Register for the 2025 Summit