Bridging the gap: How Penn State is driving workforce innovation

PITTSBURGH — In rooms buzzing with ideas, one theme kept surfacing: connection. From AI (artificial intelligence) breakthroughs to hands-on learning, the conversations at the Global Impact Forum (TGIF), hosted by Penn State Outreach, weren’t just about trends, they were about people and the partnerships shaping tomorrow’s workforce.

Over three days earlier this month in Pittsburgh, more than 900 participants representing higher education, K–12 schools, industry, government and nonprofit organizations came together to explore how collaboration can drive meaningful change. Acting as a convener and catalyst, Penn State created a space where collaboration sparks innovation and where education and industry meet to solve real-world problems.

During the opening remarks, Larry Terry, vice president for Outreach, said the themes of AI and humans shouldn’t be an either/or conversation.

“The humanistic elements that drive meaningful impact in our communities can and should complement the advances we’re seeing in AI. That’s a powerful realization,” Terry said. “Let’s keep leaning into co-creation, collaboration and shared learning. That’s how we’ll continue to make a meaningful impact, not just across the commonwealth, but far beyond.”

TGIF 2025 featured more than 125 keynote and breakout sessions; 230 speakers, including Jerome Bettis, Slava Rubin, Esther Wojcicki and Roberto Clemente Jr.; spotlights for high school and higher education students; an idea expo; and more, exploring topics from AI and automation to experiential learning and workforce readiness.

“What we did here is nothing short of transformational," said Justin Aglio, associate vice president for Outreach and executive director of the Readiness Institute at Penn State. “We didn’t just talk about the future, we started building it. We brought educators, industry leaders, community partners, government officials and youth together at one table to create solutions that will change lives. People are leaving this forum ready to act in classrooms, boardrooms and communities. This is how we shape a workforce for tomorrow.”

Bringing together industry, educators and students

Panels and breakout sessions tackled topics ranging from the ethical use of AI to strategies for experiential learning that bridge classroom theory with real-world application. Industry leaders shared insights on emerging technologies and workforce trends, while educators discussed how curricula must evolve to keep pace.

Many conversations focused on relevance and how education can keep pace with industry needs. Michael Reed, president of the Pennsylvania College of Technology, emphasized that listening is key.

“We have students, and we have industry, and listening and triangulating that information is critical,” Reed said. “Our students don’t just want technical training, they want to understand business, entrepreneurship and community impact. That feedback has driven us to create incredibly creative programs that meet those needs.”

That theme of adaptability carried into discussions on creativity and human skills. Jennifer Nash, head of education impact for Lego Education, shifted the focus to creativity and human skills in an AI-driven world.

“AI isn’t just about automation, it’s a new creative medium,” Nash said. “We need to help students use it to create art, stories, music and more. But at the heart of creativity are human skills, curiosity, emotional intelligence, decision-making and critical thinking. Those will matter most for future learning.”

The conversation then shifted to systemic change. Patrick Methvin, director of pathways and postsecondary success strategies at the Gates Foundation, highlighted how AI can empower learners to take control of their own journeys.

“We’re going to see an empowerment of learners, owning their own data, moving quickly in and out of the labor market,” Methvin said. “AI can help us create efficiencies, but we need to start with what we want to build, active learning and human skills. Then use technology to make that possible.”

Students shine through spotlights

That commitment to connection was on full display during the Student Spotlights, where innovation met opportunity. For two days, students from higher education and high schools, mostly from southwestern Pennsylvania, stepped into the spotlight, not to compete, but to collaborate, share ideas and showcase innovation.

At the High School Student Spotlight, more than 200 students from 20-plus schools mingled with global leaders from organizations like Google and Duolingo for a morning filled with hands-on workshops. In the afternoon, some of those students presented their forward-thinking innovations.

For many, this was their first chance to present real-world solutions outside the confines of a classroom, according to Amanda Smith, director of K–12 engagement for Penn State Outreach.

“Bringing students here is critical because there aren’t many chances for them to participate in something that’s not a competition or a challenge. Instead, this event gives them the opportunity to network with amazing global leaders,” said Smith. “Everything we do at Penn State is community-first. By assessing and understanding students’ needs, visions and goals, we can identify ways to show up for them. This event is a perfect example of that.”

That sense of purpose was echoed by Kenya Porter, founder of Explore Pittsburgh Tech Week, who praised Penn State’s role in creating opportunities for young innovators.

“The spotlight gives students the chance to present real-world solutions to global leaders. That builds confidence and prepares them not just for college, but for their careers,” she said. “Penn State is helping lay the foundation for lifelong success.”

For students like Tisha Joshi, a sophomore at Pine-Richland High School in Allegheny County, the experience was transformative. Her project on breast cancer detection showcased the kind of forward-thinking innovation the spotlight was designed to celebrate.

“Being here has helped me see myself as part of a new generation of leaders,” Joshi said. “It’s exciting to think about the impact we can have in the future.”

The momentum started at the Higher Ed Spotlight where students from Penn State and five other universities, Carnegie Mellon, University of Pittsburgh, Point Park, Seton Hill and Robert Morris, presented ideas that pushed boundaries in research and technology.

Bridget Joyce, from Seton Hill University, shared her project on workplace wellness and AI integration.

“Being in this room with students, higher ed leaders and industry professionals is incredible,” Joyce said. “It really helps me see my role in a broader community and global context.”

Scott Beatty, president and CEO of SoftWriters, called the Higher Ed Spotlight “the main event.”

“These students are passionate about what they’re studying and giving them the opportunity to share their work teaches us, those already in the workplace, what’s coming next,” Beatty said. “Collaboration like this is essential. It’s great to see it happening here.”

Closing keynote with Mark Cuban

The forum concluded with a keynote from entrepreneur and philanthropist Mark Cuban, who returned to his hometown of Pittsburgh to deliver a message that resonated across every sector that the future belongs to those who understand AI.

Cuban and Charlotte Dungan, chief learning officer at the Mark Cuban Foundation, who introduced him, also highlighted the foundation’s AI bootcamps that introduce high school students to AI fundamentals without requiring prior coding experience.

Cuban urged educators, industry leaders and students to embrace artificial intelligence as a foundational skill and encouraged curiosity among students and entrepreneurs.

Continuing the conversations

From AI bootcamps to collaborative research initiatives, the goal remains the same to create pathways that prepare learners for success and strengthen communities across Pennsylvania and beyond, according to Terry.

“Collaboration like this is about building a future where every student, every educator and every industry leader has a role in shaping what’s next,” said Terry. “That’s the power of Penn State as a connector. And that’s why we’ll keep doing this work because the future of workforce innovation starts here.”