The Palmetto Education Summit 2026

As technological change, AI adoption, demographic shifts, and evolving workforce needs reshape the labor market, employers report that nearly 40% of core skills are expected to change by 2030. Analytical thinking, technological literacy, resilience, and global awareness are among the fastest-growing competencies. Preparing students for this future cannot begin in college alone. As South Carolina continues to strengthen its workforce pipeline, early exposure to career pathways, especially those connected to global and international industries, is critical. This session highlights a collaborative, scalable model that integrates K-12 career exploration, college readiness, and global workforce awareness into a coherent pathway from classroom to career. Drawing on initiatives from the Darla Moore School of Business’ Office of Access, Opportunity, and Community Engagement (AOCE), Office of Undergraduate Programs, and Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER), the presenters will demonstrate how early exposure to structured career pathways improves motivation, academic alignment, and postsecondary outcomes. The session will feature:AOCE’s Moore Launchpad, Power Forward and other K-12 pathway programs serving South Carolina districts, which provide early business exposure, mentoring, and structured academic preparation. Documented student outcomes, including:97% admission rate for Power Forward scholars who applied to USC92% retention rate (Year 2 to Year 3) among Rising Scholars89% average completion rate across AOCE programs International and global career awareness initiatives such as the South Carolina International Career Pathways Guide (currently in late-stage development), created by CIBER, that maps global career opportunities across industries relevant to South Carolina’s economy. Practical strategies for educators and administrators to integrate career exploration into existing advising structures, college preparation programming, and classroom experiences. Participants will leave with actionable tools to help students understand not just how to prepare for college, but how their preparation connects to meaningful, future-ready careers. Learning Objectives By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Identify evidence-based strategies for embedding career exploration into K-12 college preparation models. Understand how global and international career pathways align with South Carolina’s evolving workforce needs. Examine scalable outreach and partnership models that increase access, opportunity, and student engagement. Apply adaptable tools to align academic preparation with workforce readiness in diverse school and community contexts. Participants will engage in: A guided walkthrough of adaptable career pathway and outreach tools Small-group discussion on adapting and implementation in varied district contexts Facilitated Q&A focused on partnership-building and scaling strategies