Puget Sound College and Career Network Summit Brings Regional Leaders Together

Event

April 24, 2026

A standing group of men and women smiles for the camera.

On April 2, educational leaders from across the Puget Sound region gathered at South Seattle College for the 2026 Puget Sound College and Career Network Summit, which focused on improving outcomes for Black and Brown male scholars.

Co-hosted by PSESD and Seattle Colleges, the summit examined the practices, programs, and policies shaping student success, as well as the barriers that continue to stand in the way: limited access to advanced coursework, under-resourced schools, and a lack of culturally responsive teaching and advising.

Throughout the day, superintendents, college presidents, educators, students, and practitioners addressed those challenges while building stronger, more connected systems of support. Panels led by PSESD Youth Wisdom Council members and local college students centered student voices and perspectives.

For Anthony Brown, PSESD Director of Learning, Leadership and Student Success, the student panel was particularly impactful. “For five years we’ve been doing this work, and moments like that panel are where you see it bear fruit,” Brown said. “Those students were able to express themselves, share their thoughts and trust us with their honesty.”

Educators across K-12 and higher education shared both what is working and where more support is needed, and a recurring theme was the importance of supporting the whole student.

“Our kids can never get to where they want to be until they’re well,” Brown said. “We can be so focused on grades and test scores. If we’re not constantly having the conversation about wellness for kids and adults alike, we can never get to those other pieces.”

The push to move from research to action was underscored by keynote speaker Dr. Jeff Duncan-Andrade, a nationally recognized scholar and advocate for educational equity.

“My biggest takeaway was seeing our K-12 and higher education systems coming together,” said Dr. Susana Reyes, Superintendent of Shoreline School District and co-chair of the summit. “I left feeling inspired and challenged. It pushed me to think about how I can be more intentional in my own role.”

Brad Brown, PSESD Executive Director of Learning, Teaching and Leadership Development, emphasized the importance of cross-sector partnerships. “Our new landscape requires us to bring together not only colleges and educational partners, but also workforce partners,” he said. “We need to be speaking the same language for our students.”

The summit reflects PSESD’s ongoing commitment to creating more just and humanizing educational communities, where every student experiences belonging and opportunity, and where systems are designed to support their success.

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