From Partnerships to Success: Scaling Career-Connected, High-Impact Experiences with Technology

Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 4:30PM–5:30PM MT
Session Type: Poster Session
Delivery Format: Poster Session
Experiential, career-connected learning is increasingly essential to student engagement, retention, and post-graduate success, yet access remains limited. Traditional models like internships cannot scale to meet demand, leaving many students without meaningful opportunities that lead to strong career outcomes. This session explores how institutions are leveraging technology and cross-sector partnerships to expand access to high-impact, career-connected learning. Presenters will share how they are embedding technology-enabled, employer-informed experiences directly into the student journey—integrating applied learning, virtual collaboration, and digital credentials to reach more students and strengthen outcomes. Featuring perspectives from institutional leadership, faculty, employers, and workforce partners, the session will highlight how campuses are aligning academic, career, and workforce strategies while using digital infrastructure to support scalable, flexible experiences. Attendees will gain practical strategies for expanding experiential learning beyond traditional models, strengthening employer engagement, and using technology to improve student engagement, retention, and career readiness.

Presenters

  • Christine Heitz

    CEO, Colorado Thrives

  • Lunden MacDonald

    Executive Director, Roadways, Metropolitan State University of Denver

  • Chris Parrish

    Co-Founder and President, Podium Education

  • Harris Rollinger

    Sr. Program Manager, Hidden Talent & Early Careers, Kehe Distributors

  • Steve Russell

    Chief Partnership Officer, Bowling Green State University