April 8–10
ASU GSV Summit 2019

ASU GSV, to be held April 8-10 in San Diego, is a leading gathering of innovators in the education and workforce innovation space.

This year, JFF joins the event as a program sponsor, bringing our 35-year history of deep programmatic and policy work across education and workforce systems to build a bridge to the private sector, including corporations, mission-aligned startups, and other voices.

JFF is showcasing the work of JFFLabs, highlighting how we’re connecting traditional systems with private sector leaders, innovative companies, and visionary entrepreneurs to catalyze the critical work of preparing today’s workforce for the economy and careers of tomorrow. Along with other special events and gatherings, JFFLabs will feature flagship programs including $1B Wage Gain Challenge finalist pitches, presentations from our first Social Impact Acceleration partners, as well as private sessions. Here’s an overview of the JFF events at ASU GSV, and more detailed information on each. For invite only sessions, please email labs@jff.org if you are interested in attending.

Despite an improving economy, many Americans see their work contributions met with a small slice of the nation’s income. The $1 Billion Wage Gain Challenge is based on the belief that wage gains are a linchpin to America’s long-term economic strength. With support from Schmidt Futures, we called on innovators, educators, policymakers, and employers to share ideas that would raise the annual wages of at least 100,000 workers by $10,000 or more before the end of 2021—a total impact of $1 billion. At ASU GSV, seven finalists will present their ideas to a panel of VIP judges for the chance to be selected as the challenge winner. Learn more about the finalists in a blog on JFF.org. Details:

• When: 2–4:30 p.m. PT, Monday, April 8
• Where: Golden Hill B, 3rd floor

Finalists

Judges

The retail and service sectors are particularly primed to improve economic advancement for both workers and business by developing frontline talent. To help workers in these systems, JFFLabs, with support from Walmart, selected four companies as Work-Based Learning Acceleration Partners to expand and improve their business operations and strategy, new market exposure and traction, and products. At ASU GSV, these partners will tell our collective story of JFF Acceleration services to new audiences. Details:

• When: Monday, April 8, 5-6:15 p.m. PT
• Where: Golden Hill B, 3rd flr
• Moderator: Hamoon Ekhtiari, Founder & CEO, Audacious Futures

Economic mobility is a defining challenge of our time. When leading businesses adopt inclusive talent strategies and practices, the economic livelihood of millions of Americans will improve - all while benefiting the corporate bottom line. We will explore this issue alongside forward-thinking companies who are digging in on this work. Our session will include an overview of the issue, followed by candid panel discussion with corporate leaders.

• When: Tuesday, April 9, 10-11:30 a.m. PT
• Private event, email labs@jff.org for details.

Moderator:

• Jennie Sparandara, Head of Workforce Strategies, Global Philanthropy, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Panelists:

• Shana DeSmit, Vice President, Regional General Manager, Walmart
• Dalila Wilson-Scott, Senior Vice President, Community Impact, Comcast
• Steven Johnson, Director of Associate Career Development, Amazon

To meet the needs of the future of work, new market-based models of training and education are emerging, along with new funding models facilitating their growth. These dynamics will continue to press the traditional higher education and workforce systems, which will need to change dramatically if they are to remain competitive. This discussion will explore this new frontier and the degree to which new funding models will reshape the future education and training landscape.

• When: Wednesday, April 10, 8-9:00 a.m. PT
• Private event, email labs@jff.org for details.

Speakers:

• Maria Flynn, President and CEO, JFF
• John Duong, Director, Lumina Impact Ventures
• Isabelle Hau, Investment Partner, Omidyar Network
• Ryan Craig, Managing Director, University Ventures

Over 44 million working-class American adults with less than a two-year degree are being left behind in today’s job market. A new category of career “on-ramp” programs can help this group achieve upward mobility by increasing their skills and employability that can successfully help them transition to financially stable careers. This group of leaders will debate how workforce innovation can transform the lives of 44 million at risk of being left behind.

• When: Wednesday, April 10, 10-10:40 a.m. PT
  
• Where: Harbor H, 2nd flr

Moderator: Matt Sigelman, Founder, Burning Glass

Panelists:

• Leah Belsky, VP Enterprise Coursera
• Maria Flynn, President and CEO, JFF
• Danielle Goonan, Program Officer, Walmart Foundation
• Michelle Weise, SVP, Workforce Strategies, Strada Education Network & Chief Innovation Officer, Strada Institute for the Future of Work

About ASU GSV Summit

The ASU GSV Summit celebrates its 10th year as the most important convening of leaders across the global “pre-K to gray” education and workforce innovation sector on April 8-10 in San Diego.

More than 4,500 education, workforce, and business leaders are expected at the summit, including 400+ learning and workforce technology CEOs from across the globe, 400+ investors, 400+ pre-K through grade 12 leaders, 400+ higher ed leaders, and 400+ chief learning and talent officers, policymakers, foundation leaders, and social entrepreneurs.