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.

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.

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.

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.

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

​The AI and Digital Skills Leadership Council is an exclusive gathering of global leaders and experts in AI and Digital Skills formed to address some of the world’s most pressing global challenges in AI up-skilling and re-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.

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.

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.

This session unpacks proposed federal risk-sharing regulations that would hold colleges financially responsible for student loan defaults. 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?

The Responsible AI Consortium (RAIC) is a global initiative, connecting a network of forward-thinking institutions dedicated to promoting the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Higher Education. It serves as a platform for collaboration among universities and business schools worldwide, fostering thought leadership, practice-sharing, and research on AI integration in higher education. Join this session to hear from founding members about the initiatives and impact of the Consortium.

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.

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.

Edtech VC is back to pre-pandemic levels—but what’s next? This session brings together leading investors to unpack market shifts, key trends, and where they see the next wave of value creation in education and workforce training, with an eye on sustainable growth and long-term impact.

This session explores cutting-edge approaches to aligning education with labor market demands through cross-sector collaboration. It highlights state-level reforms, data-driven credential transparency, and employer-led program design. Panelists share insights into initiatives transforming workforce systems, from credential registries to skills accounts, aiming to create a more responsive and equitable talent pipeline.

The 2025 Private Equity Roundtable will convene an exclusive group of investors and analysts to explore the future of education and technology markets. The agenda will feature Capital Markets and Industry Briefing, K-12 and Higher Education Policy, AI & Technology Trends, the Private Equity Leaderboard, and an overview of Investment Trends across venture capital, private equity, and M\&A. Designed for forward-looking investors, this invitation-only event will offer strategic perspectives on capital deployment and emerging market opportunities.

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.

In this exclusive meeting of the Career Navigation Leadership Council, join the roundtable discussions and explore how employers, educators, funders and workforce leaders can help young people prepare for rapidly evolving first jobs and career pathways. Discussions will focus on skills needed and levers to pull to get entry-level opportunities, work-based learning strategies, and innovative approaches to career navigation in a dynamic job market.

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.

Join Elizabeth Moore of the Gates Foundation for a fireside chat on reimagining K–12 math. Explore how strategic investments, equity-driven design, and innovations like movement-based learning and AI tools are helping all students see themselves as “math people” and build confidence, engagement, and lasting success in math.

Join AWS and QS for an invitation-only roundtable to discuss the most pressing opportunities and challenges facing EdTech CPOs in 2026 and beyond. This senior-level, strategic session will cover topics such as AI acceleration vs hype, balancing innovation with responsible governance, key EdTech trends and market accelerators, and technology needs of future learners and educators.

As momentum grows for a skills-first approach to workforce development, this panel examines the critical role of policy in enabling systemic change. Drawing on insights from Jobs for the Future and leading policy innovators, the session will explore federal, state, and institutional levers that support skills-based hiring, interoperable credentialing frameworks, and inclusive talent pipelines. Panelists will highlight strategies to realign education and training systems with emerging industry demands and economic mobility goals.

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.

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.

No longer confined to traditional grantmaking, today’s philanthropic leaders are co-creating systems-level solutions to drive inclusive economic mobility. This interactive session 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. Experts will lead discussions and collaborative design exercises, then open the floor for real-time audience feedback to reimagine philanthropy’s role in building a more inclusive and resilient economic future for people—where impact is measured not just in jobs or dollars, but in paths to lives transformed.

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.

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.

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. Celebrating and nurturing purpose-driven ventures that seek to address systemic inequities in education through innovation. Since 2010, it has awarded more than $2 million in cash prizes. The Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition celebrates and nurtures purpose-driven ventures that seek to address systemic inequities in education through innovation. Attend the 2025 Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition Finals live in New York City on September 10th, as part of HolonIQ’s Back to School Summit! Learn how the brightest minds in education are addressing educational inequities worldwide through innovation.

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.

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.