Agenda

Join us for the opening networking reception of the 2025 Back-to-School Summit in New York, as we celebrate the 24th annual gathering of education, innovation, and impact leaders from around the world. Set against the iconic backdrop of New York City, this evening offers a unique opportunity to connect with higher education leaders, philanthropists, government officials, investors and economic development professionals shaping the future of learning and workforce transformation. Raise a glass to 24 years of collaboration and leadership.

Join QS and fellow university leaders for an exclusive, invitation-only breakfast briefing to kick off the conference. This informal session will provide a high level overview of the market, highlighting key dynamics, challenges, and strategic opportunities for U.S. institutions. Attendees will receive the event agenda, with tailored recommendations on high-impact sessions, and have a chance to network with peers before the day begins. Designed to help you navigate the next two days with purpose and insight, this briefing sets the tone for a productive and engaging experience.

HolonIQ's signature interactive and data-driven briefing on the global education landscape. Kick off the event with a vision of the future. Join HolonIQ's Founders on a journey to envision the exciting possibilities and challenges that lie ahead for education and workforce development. Explore groundbreaking trends, innovative technologies, and transformative learning models that will shape the future of education.

Building on the bold forecasts shared in the opening plenary, this panel brings together three leaders shaping the future of education from distinct vantage points - global higher education, K-12 learning innovation, and career exploration. Jessica Turner (QS), Jamie Candee (Edmentum), and Julie Lammers (American Student Assistance) will respond to the big-picture themes and explore how we translate future-facing trends into practical strategies across the learner journey, from school through to career. Expect a lively, cross-sector dialogue on equity, employability, AI, and learner agency designed to spark debate and new thinking on what it really means to prepare for the decade ahead.

The Advanced Manufacturing Skills Leadership Council is an exclusive gathering of global leaders and experts discussing some of the most pressing global challenges in advanced manufacturing skilling. The second council meeting this year will be conducted in person during the 24th Annual Back to School Summit in New York City. Council membership is by invitation.

Jeff will share a broad overview of the state of Capital Markets and how institutional investors are thinking about the Education Sector. Jeff is a senior analyst in BMO Capital Markets Equity Research, covering education and related sectors and served as the host and moderator of BMO’s former Back to School Conference.

In this fireside conversation, Western Governors University President Scott Pulsipher explores the shifting value of education and credentials in a rapidly changing world. From questioning legacy systems to advancing learner-centered, workforce-aligned models, the session will challenge conventional thinking and offer a forward-looking perspective on how learners, institutions, and employers can thrive today and shape the future with confidence.

This briefing on the K-12 policy landscape will explore key regulatory changes, shifts in school funding, and emerging strategic priorities for state and federal policymakers shaping preK-12 education in the U.S.

Research shows that nearly half of U.S. workers believe their education doesn’t reflect what they can actually do. Despite advances in technology, employers still struggle to find candidates with the right mix of skills. In this Roundtable, Western Governors University will showcase how the Achievement Wallet helps learners own, signal, and build on their skills over a lifetime. Explore how open standards and strategic collaboration are advancing equity, transparency, and alignment between education and employment—and how funders can accelerate this work by scaling impact, strengthening ecosystems, and enabling more direct, data-rich pathways from learning to opportunity.

Join Brian Bohan, Director, Global Lead, Consulting Partner Center of Excellence at AWS, for a conversation on the future of technology in education. With deep experience across the public sector, education, and technology, Brian will share insights on how AI is shaping learning and workforce pathways—and what might come next for schools, systems, and learners around the world.

As financial pressures intensify across the higher education sector, institutions are seeking new approaches to ensure long-term sustainability while expanding access and impact. This session will explore practical, scalable strategies for diversifying revenue streams and enhancing financial resilience, ranging from growing high-margin online and continuing education programs, to leveraging data for smarter student acquisition, optimizing resource allocation, and forging new industry and community partnerships. Learn how forward-thinking universities are innovating with business models, digital delivery, and performance analytics to align mission with margin, building financial strength without sacrificing quality or access.

A conversation regarding Federal policy and funding priorities, including an overview of NAEP 8th grade science and 12th grade ELA and Math results that will be released on September 9th, moderated by Anna Edwards, Chief Advocacy Officer and Co-Founder at Whiteboard Advisors.

As traditional funding models evolve, partnerships are emerging as a practical growth approach for universities. In this session, we’ll look at how institutions are teaming up with industry, technology providers, edtech companies and global academic networks to develop new offerings. By combining expertise in content, platforms, credentials and outreach, these collaborations can broaden access, open up additional markets and deliver shared benefits. Participants will hear about a variety of partnership models, learn key governance considerations and discuss how strategic alliances can support institutional stability, relevance and sustainable growth

Empire AI is a bold new initiative to establish a state-of-the-art AI research and compute hub in New York, creating public infrastructure for responsible AI development. This session explores how Empire AI aims to democratize access to advanced AI tools, foster cross-sector collaboration, and ensure academic institutions play a leading role in shaping ethical, transparent, and equitable AI innovation that benefits all New Yorkers and beyond.

This briefing on the higher education regulatory landscape will explore key changes, emerging trends, and the strategic focus areas where government action is set to shape the next phase of postsecondary education in the U.S.

What’s behind the teenage disengagement crisis—and how can we fix it? Journalist Jenny Anderson and Brookings’ Rebecca Winthrop explore how re-engaging teens is critical not only for education, but for building skills, expanding social capital, and unlocking economic mobility. Drawing on their new book The Disengaged Teen, they’ll unpack how relevance, agency, and real-world learning can reconnect young people to school, work, and opportunity.

In an increasingly competitive global education landscape, effective benchmarking is vital for institutional growth and differentiation. This session explores how universities can use comparative performance data to enhance academic quality, guide strategic priorities, and improve student outcomes. Learn how data-informed benchmarking supports institutional accountability, global positioning, and continuous improvement.

As AI rapidly transforms the job market, new roles are emerging and employers continue to face challenges in finding talent with skills to scale AI effectively. Colleges and Universities are pivotal in closing this gap. In this fireside chat, Lydia Logan, VP of Global Education and Workforce Development at IBM, will share how institutions can evolve their curricula to prepare students for an AI-driven future. The conversation will highlight implementation approaches for integrating responsible AI into education and reference tools for building AI competencies across disciplines.

As lifespans approach 100 years, careers span six decades, and demographic shifts reshape student pipelines, universities must move beyond traditional models to become engines of lifelong learning—contributing to economic growth, strengthening workforce resilience, and supporting national productivity goals. In this high-level panel, QS CEO Jessica Turner joins three university presidents to examine what universities must do to meet the evolving needs of diverse learners, forge stronger local and global partnerships, and better articulate their value across government, industry, and society. This discussion will explore how institutions can strengthen community impact and remain essential drivers of progress in a rapidly changing world. A conversation about leadership, relevance, and reinvention.

How is the rise of AI—particularly Agentic AI—reshaping the education landscape? This session explores how AI is impacting the education experience by enhancing teaching and learning, improving student outcomes, and driving administrative efficiencies. Speakers will share real-world use cases on how they’re applying AI to drive innovation and support schools and higher education institutions in meeting their missions and driving student success.

As AI accelerates across classrooms, foundations have a critical role to play: ensuring innovation closes gaps, not widens them. This session unpacks new research and real-world strategies—from flexible funding to cross-sector partnerships—that help build equitable, future-ready education systems.

Join us for a fireside chat with 2U exploring the evolution of higher education partnerships. We’ll reflect on the sector’s journey from one-size-fits-all models to more flexible, modular approaches, highlighting key turning points and lessons learned. The conversation will also look at 2U’s own journey, how they’re shaping partnerships today, and what’s next for the model and the market. Attendees will gain insights into balancing institutional ambition with operational realities.

The Back to School CEO Roundtable is an exclusive, invitation-only forum for chief executives from leading global education organizations. This focused session facilitates meaningful peer exchange on the most pressing issues shaping the sector, including capital markets, policy shifts, M&A activity, and emerging technologies. Designed to encourage candid dialogue, the CEO Roundtable offers a unique space for CEOs to share perspectives, test ideas, and explore new opportunities for growthm innovation and partnership. From navigating regulatory complexity to rethinking global expansion and AI integration, participants engage in high-impact conversations that go beyond headlines. The Roundtable’s intimate format fosters trust, collaboration, and long-term thinking, helping leaders align on future directions for the education economy. The two-hour session is followed by an intimate dinner for participants.

The Back to School University Presidents Roundtable is an invitation-only forum bringing together presidents, rectors and senior leaders from higher education institutions. This exclusive meeting serves as a platform for strategic dialogue between university leaders, education ministries, and key stakeholders, fostering deeper engagement on the most critical issues shaping the future of higher education. Participants engage in candid, data-informed discussions on global trends, policy & regulatory shifts, digital transformation, funding models, and the growing role of AI and technology in teaching, research, and institutional operations. The Roundtable is designed to elevate the visibility of participating institutions as thought-leading partners while exploring collaborative pathways for progress in an increasingly complex and competitive landscape. The session provides a trusted environment for senior leaders to share insights, align on strategic priorities, and strengthen cross-border networks.

Economic development agencies are on the front lines of driving regional growth, yet the persistent gap between the skills employers need and the training students receive remains a critical challenge. In this discussion, leaders from U.S. state economic development agencies, joined by a university partner, will explore how agencies are tackling the jobs–skills disconnect, fostering collaboration with universities, and creating agile strategies that respond to evolving industry demands. Participants will leave with practical insights into building stronger partnerships that benefit communities, employers, and learners alike.

Durable skills like communication, adaptability, and problem-solving are essential for building a resilient, inclusive workforce. Join the SHRM Foundation & the Manufacturing Institute to learn how these experts are advancing economic mobility and innovation through skills-based hiring, strategic workforce development, and cross-sector partnerships that prepare learners and workers for long-term success.

This session examines the evolution of U.S. apprenticeships amidst shifting labor market dynamics and federal policy reforms. Experts will explore scalable models that integrate digital innovation, expand sectoral reach, and address systemic barriers. Discussion will focus on performance-based funding, intermediary roles, and apprenticeships as a strategic response to talent shortages and economic mobility.

Too many U.S. high school students graduate without the math skills they need to succeed in college, training programs, or the workforce. Join Elizabeth Moore, Deputy Director of K12, and explore the Gates Foundation’s investment in reimagining the high school math experience to better align with students’ postsecondary aspirations through their bold initiative that supports the development, improvement, scaling, and validation of six modern, rigorous courses for grades 11 and 12: Modern Algebra 2, Integrated Statistics & Quantitative Reasoning, Introduction to Statistics, AP Statistics, AP Precalculus, and Data Science. This work aims to ensure students are not only college- and career-ready, but also equipped to thrive in a data-driven world.

Student support meets AI. CEOs Kate Eberle Walker (Presence) and Tammy Wincup (Securly) explore how AI is being applied across special education, teletherapy, and student well-being. This panel offers a nuanced look at how innovation addresses urgent needs while navigating the debates around AI in education and its use supporting students.

Join Thomas Davin, Director of UNICEF’s Office of Innovation, for an engaging fireside chat on how cutting-edge solutions are transforming outcomes for children worldwide. From scaling digital learning platforms and pioneering blockchain for transparency, to harnessing data science for rapid response in crises, UNICEF is reimagining how technology serves the most vulnerable. Hear about the challenges in turning bold ideas into global impact—and leave with clear calls to action on how you can support innovation that changes lives.

The opening networking reception welcomes participants to the Summit with an engaging evening of conversation, connection, and collaboration, setting the tone for productive discussions and new relationships in the days ahead.

Join QS for an informal breakfast conversation focused on the future of business schools. Attendees will connect with peers from across the sector, hear a short briefing from QS on the latest insights, and exchange perspectives on emerging trends and opportunities shaping business education.

In an age where careers span six decades and AI is reshaping the world of work, the traditional model of education ending at career entry is no longer enough. This session explores the urgent need for lifelong learning ecosystems that support workforce transitions, re-skilling, and real-world outcomes. Matt Sigelman, President of the Burning Glass Institute examines how demographic shifts, evolving job markets, and AI adoption are creating new opportunities for innovative credentials and programs, and discusses how education providers, governments, and investors can collaborate to design talent strategies that not only meet immediate market needs but also future-proof economies.

This panel brings together leading experts to explore the landscape of AI literacy in education. Panelists will discuss national policy efforts, institutional strategies for integrating AI into the curriculum, and how educators are rethinking the mix of skills needed to prepare students for an AI-integrated future.

Join this small, informal roundtable to explore the dynamic and fast-evolving education landscape across the Middle East and Africa. Featuring regional experts and voices from leading institutions, the session offers attendees a unique opportunity to better understand key trends, emerging opportunities, and on-the-ground realities. Whether you’re exploring partnerships, market entry, or expansion, this is a chance to ask questions, share experiences, and build meaningful connections with peers and regional leaders in an open, off-the-record setting.

In this open meeting of the Career Navigation Leadership Council, leaders from education, workforce, philanthropy, and industry will engage in a dynamic roundtable exploring how first jobs are evolving in an age of AI automation rapid market change and and how we need to think differently about preparing young people who are entering into the workforce at a very different point of entry than previous generations. Together, participants will share how employers should be thinking about on-the-job training and upskilling in the near future, and how educators might rethink what skills and experiences learners need to step into the “new” entry-level job landscape which just may be what we used to think of as mid-level careers. This interactive session will focus on actionable approaches, scalable models, and cross-sector opportunities to discuss how to best prepare young talent for the future.

Explore the latest insights from QS on global student recruitment trends, behaviors, and motivations. This session will unpack fresh data from millions of prospective international students, offering practical strategies for U.S. universities to refine their outreach, messaging, and engagement. Learn how to navigate shifting demand, leverage reputation drivers, and build competitive advantage in key markets. Ideal for enrollment leaders seeking data-informed approaches to boost international recruitment and diversify their student pipelines.

This panel explores how business schools must evolve to remain relevant amid technological disruption, shifting employer expectations, and global economic change. Speakers discuss essential strategies, from embracing interdisciplinary learning and fostering lifelong skills development to deepening employer partnerships, exploring new markets, and embracing AI, to ensure business schools lead in shaping the future of work and leadership.

EdTech investment has returned to pre-pandemic levels—but what’s next? This session brings together leading venture capital and private equity investors to unpack market shifts, emerging trends, and where they see the next wave of value creation in education and workforce training. Hear perspectives on scaling, sustainable growth, and strategic exits, as well as how both VC and PE approaches are shaping the long-term evolution of the global learning ecosystem.

If your audience finds you online, you’re already in a fight for visibility. AI isn’t just disrupting marketing—it’s rewriting the rules of discovery. Generative AI answers questions instantly, and Google’s AI Overviews dominate the search page, pushing paid and organic links out of sight and cutting clicks by up to 90%. This session explores how organizations can stay visible when AI answers first. Drawing from a case study with a leading business school, we’ll show how Everspring built a first-of-its-kind, AI-optimized marketing strategy that boosted AI visibility by 8X in three months, and reduced reliance on paid media. You’ll learn what’s replacing traditional digital tactics, how to align with AI-first discovery behaviors, and which metrics really matter in this new landscape—whether you’re running a university, a startup, or a global enterprise.

As AI lowers the cost to build and scale new solutions, education founders and funders face fresh questions about how to fuel innovation. This session brings together leaders from venture capital, philanthropy, and emerging hybrid models to explore strategic choices for funding education innovation—balancing mission, market, and long-term impact.

Through live demonstrations and real-world examples, this session will show how combining Working Backwards principles and AI can dramatically accelerate the product development cycle. Learn how AI tools can enhance each step of the journey - from ideation, to prototyping, to development – and how to implement immediately in your organization.

This briefing on the workforce development policy landscape will explore key priorities and actions aiming to strengthen talent pipelines through industry-driven strategies, use of technology, and integrated service delivery. We will delve into implications and opportunities for higher education and employment ecosystems stemming from federal enactment of “Workforce Pell,” the release of the Trump Administration’s America’s Talent Strategy plan, among other actions.

This panel explores the urgent need to reimagine and rebuild the education ecosystem for lasting, transformative impact. At a time when bold collaboration is essential, we’ll bring together higher education researchers, visionary educators, community leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry innovators to break down silos and fuel the next wave of education breakthroughs.

Explore the evolving landscape of M&A in the global education sector. This session features expert insights on key drivers, emerging patterns, and future outlooks shaping education M&A activity. Hear more about how market consolidation, digital transformation, and investment strategies are redefining institutional growth and innovation across K-12, higher ed, and workforce sectors.

As global student mobility rebounds and reshapes in the wake of shifting policies, geopolitics, and AI-enhanced recruitment, institutions face mounting pressure to grow enrollments, ensure quality, and build more diverse, future-ready student populations. This session explores how leading universities are evolving their international strategies, leveraging transnational models, hybrid delivery, and partnerships to stay ahead. We’ll dive into the data behind new student flows, explore how recruitment tactics are changing in real time, and unpack the trade-offs institutions are navigating as they compete on a global stage.

Everyone’s telling students, teachers and employees and employers to 'learn AI', but what does that actually mean, and how do we know if they’re truly prepared? In this urgent conversation, ETS CEO Amit Sevak explores how AI literacy is becoming the new baseline for learning, hiring, and upskilling, and why measurement is the missing link. This session unpacks how we define and quantify AI readiness across education and workforce systems. With new federal priorities placing AI literacy at the center of future funding and instruction, this fireside chat cuts through the noise to address the most critical question of the moment: are we actually ready?

University leaders face increasing pressure to demonstrate the relevance of their academic programs and ensure graduates are prepared for the future of work. At the same time, students and candidates are actively seeking programs that clearly communicate the skills they will gain and the career pathways those programs can unlock. This session will explore how institutions are utilizing job market data and alumni insights into strategic decision-making for program innovation and lifelong learning. Through practical examples, we’ll highlight how universities can identify hidden skills gaps, respond to shifting student demand, and apply actionable strategies to make their programs more relevant, distinctive, and future-ready.

This session unpacks the new institutional accountability statute and upcoming regulations that are designed to hold colleges financially responsible for student earnings post-completion. With early data analyses and sector-specific forecasts, panelists will explore how these shifts could reshape incentives, funding structures, and institutional strategy ahead of Fall 2025. Who benefits, who’s at risk, and what decisions need to be made now?

No longer confined to traditional grantmaking, today’s philanthropic leaders are co-creating systems-level solutions to drive inclusive economic mobility. This panel discussion will explore how philanthropic capital is being used to break down structural and financial barriers, expand access to workforce opportunities, and spark innovation across the tech sector. A panel of experts will share insights, strategies, and lessons learned, highlighting how philanthropy is reshaping opportunities for people and communities. The conversation will examine how impact is being redefined—not just in jobs or dollars, but in creating pathways to transformed lives.

A growing disconnect between higher education and the modern workforce demands a proactive response. In this session, join the University of Virginia and explore new models designed to meet students where they are, supporting those balancing work, caregiving, athletics, or navigating unexpected changes in career plans.

Understanding the dynamics of the global labour market has never been more critical for policymakers, educators, and employers. This demonstration will showcase the HolonIQ by QS platform, a next-generation labour market intelligence system designed to map, compare, and analyze workforce trends at both global and national levels. The session will step through the structure of the global labour market, highlighting key macroeconomic drivers, demographic shifts, and sectoral transformations shaping employment patterns worldwide. Participants will explore country-by-country comparisons, revealing how labour demand, supply, and skills readiness vary across regions and economies. A central feature will be the Global Skills Map, which visualizes emerging and declining skill clusters, connects them to occupations, and benchmarks nations against one another.

The 2025 Back to School Summit will host the most prestigious and well-funded competition of its kind—the Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition—which, since 2010, has awarded more than $2 million in cash prizes. This competition celebrates and nurtures purpose-driven ventures addressing systemic inequities in education through innovation. Join this session to hear the dynamic finalist pitches commencing at 2:00 pm, culminating with the announcement of the 2025 winner at 4:00 pm in the Grand Hall.

This session examines how employer perceptions influence graduate outcomes, institutional credibility, and international competitiveness. Drawing from global employer surveys and labor market trends, it highlights the role of employer reputation in shaping university strategies, aligning curricula with workforce needs, and fostering sustainable partnerships between academia and industry across regions.

What happens when we lead with values—not hype or fear—in shaping the future of technology? In this 60-minute roundtable session hosted by Siegel Family Endowment, Katy Knight and Josh Elder explore technopragmatism as a guiding lens for aligning emerging tech like AI with real-world outcomes: stronger communities, better jobs, and more equitable learning systems. It’s not about resisting change, it’s about designing it with intention.

The MBA has long been a conduit for professional growth; however, the career outcomes and trajectories of graduates reveal key inequities between women and men. In this session, we will explore findings from the latest Forté Foundation research on career satisfaction, leadership advancement, barriers to success, and compensation. QS's Business School Strategy Lead, Dr. Michelle Wieser and Forté CEO Elissa Sangster will join together with higher ed and corporate leaders to explore working together to close the gender gap and create more equitable outcomes for all.

Responsible AI is a critical focus in higher education as institutions navigate the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across teaching, learning, and operations. As students become increasingly engaged with AI, understanding their preferences and ensuring ethical practices are paramount. This session will explore the key considerations for universities adopting responsible AI practices, from student expectations to institutional leadership. The Responsible AI Consortium (RAIC) is one of the mechanisms supporting this effort, providing a platform for institutions to collaborate, share insights, and drive responsible AI adoption in higher education.

Join education experts to explore models for upskilling the educator workforce—covering intentional recruitment, immersive training, ongoing development, and energizing strategies to launch and sustain a future-ready and skilled faculty.

Step inside the future of institutional performance intelligence. In this live, interactive showcase, experience QS’s powerful new analytics platform, HolonIQ, and uncover fresh lenses on performance, reputation, and global positioning. From the QS World University Rankings to subject and GME insights, discover how data can shape your five-year plan, sharpen your globalization strategy, and pinpoint the biggest opportunities for growth. Stay for the Q&A to put your own context under the spotlight—then carry the conversation into the Back to School Closing Networking Reception.

Online learners now outnumber on-campus students in the U.S., signaling a fundamental shift in higher education delivery. This session explores what it takes to scale high-quality online learning sustainably and equitably. Dr. Jill Buban, a national leader in online strategy and innovation, and Pierre Dubuc, co-founder of OpenClassrooms and a pioneer in accessible digital education share insights on technology, pedagogy, and policy—and what this tipping point means for the future of global higher education.

Join us for the highly anticipated announcement of the 2025 Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition winner, where innovation meets impact in the global education sector. This special session will reveal the winning ventures and honor their achievements, spotlighting breakthrough ideas with the potential to transform learning. Celebrate the vision and dedication of these education entrepreneurs and be inspired by the next wave of solutions shaping the future of the field.

The closing networking reception offers a final opportunity for attendees to connect, exchange ideas, and celebrate new partnerships in a relaxed, social setting, bringing the Summit to a dynamic and collaborative close.