National Youth Employment Coalition advances the future of youth workforce at Annual Forum: Featured Remarks from Houston Mayor John Whitmire, Department of Labor Senior Director, Maria Syms, and national workforce leaders. 

MEDIA ADVISORY: National Youth Employment Coalition advances the future of youth workforce at Annual Forum: Featured Remarks from Houston Mayor John Whitmire, Department of Labor Senior Director, Maria Syms, and national workforce leaders. 

WHO: The National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC), alongside national and local leaders in workforce development, policy, and industry. 

WHAT: 2026 NYEC Annual Forum — a national convening focused on expanding economic opportunities for young people through workforce innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and community-driven solutions. 

WHEN: March 30-April 1, 2026 

WHERE: The Royal Sonesta Hotel 2222 W Loop S, Houston, TX 77027 

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:  

March 30 – Opening General Session 11:30- 1:00 pm 

• Keynote from Michael D. Smith, President & CEO of Eckerd Connects 

• Panel on reimagining workforce pathways for justice-impacted youth featuring Ken Oliver, President & CEO of the Justice & Upward Mobility Project (JUMP), and James Cadogan, Executive Director of the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition 

• Video remarks – Nick Moore, Acting Assistant Secretary, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE), U.S. Department of Education 

April 1 Breakfast 8:15-9:40– Lunch General Session  

• Data and labor market insights panel featuring representatives from Burning Glass Institute, Indiana University Health, Veolia North America, and Genesys Works Houston 

April 1 – Closing Session 11:40 – 1:15 

• Featured remarks from Houston Mayor John Whitmire  

• National panel on artificial intelligence and the future of work, featuring Maria M. Syms, Senior Policy Director of the Employment and Training Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor and Dr. Michael Webster, President of Houston City College Southwest Campus 

Interested in Other Sessions? Schedule: Schedule | Rooted in Action: 2026 Annual Forum 

WHY IT MATTERS: As industries evolve and workforce demands shift, young people need clearer pathways into sustainable careers. NYEC’s Annual Forum brings together leaders from across sectors to align on solutions that strengthen connections between education, training, and employment. 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Julia Frohlich
julia.frohlich@nyec.org
407-346-8307