On November 3, the RAPSA Forum pre-conference will bring together educators, leaders, and advocates from across the nation for a full day of transformative learning. Starting at 10 AM, participants will have the opportunity to choose from six powerful sessions designed to inspire collaboration and innovation, all leading up to an evening welcome reception that marks the official start of this year’s Forum.
The pre-conference sets the tone for this year’s theme: Advancing inclusive education and redefining success for opportunity youth.
Each session showcases how different organizations are breaking down barriers and creating new pathways for young people to thrive. From nationally recognized movements to local programs making a direct impact, these conversations highlight what’s possible when communities come together to support At-Promise youth.
The day kicks off with a dynamic session led by ABC SoCal Trades Apprenticeship and the SoCal Financial Education Center, two organizations proving that workforce development and financial literacy go hand in hand. By providing clear career pathways, mentorship, and hands-on support, they are empowering individuals to build not only sustainable careers but also long-term financial stability—a foundation for lasting success.
Youth voice takes center stage in a session featuring the Horizons 32K Youth Advisory Council, where young leaders will share their personal journeys through education and workforce programs. Their insights challenge misconceptions and offer a roadmap for what true partnership between youth and educators looks like. This dialogue is central to creating systems where young people are not only heard but have an active role in shaping their futures.
From there, participants will explore innovative approaches to education and career readiness. The Buckeye Community Hope Foundation will share their pioneering Workforce Literacy program, which combines literacy instruction with workforce preparation to boost academic outcomes while equipping students with the skills they need to succeed beyond the classroom. Similarly, the New Orleans Career Center will showcase their Rapid Reskill program, a nationally recognized model developed in response to the challenges of the pandemic. Their bold approach demonstrates how removing barriers and co-designing programs with employers can drive meaningful change for opportunity youth.
The pre-conference also highlights models of love-centered, positive youth development. In an inspiring fireside chat, leaders and alumni from YouthBuild Global and YouthBuild Charter School of California will reflect on decades of impact. Since 1978, YouthBuild has transformed the lives of more than 210,000 young people across 49 U.S. states and nine countries, blending education with workforce development to create lasting opportunities for growth and success.
Rounding out the sessions, Momentum Strategy & Research will provide practical tools for strengthening schools through the Balanced Accountability & School Improvement Cycle (BASIC). This framework offers a step-by-step approach to continuous improvement, helping alternative education campuses drive meaningful and sustainable change.
By the end of the day, attendees will leave not only with new ideas and strategies but also with a deeper understanding of what’s possible when educators, youth, and communities work together. The pre-conference is more than just a preview—it’s a powerful kickoff to the RAPSA Forum, setting the stage for three days of connection, inspiration, and action.
Join us on November 3 to be part of this transformative experience. Start your Forum journey a day early and help advance inclusive education while redefining success for opportunity youth.
