Looking Ahead at 2026: What’s Next for NAF; A Letter from CEO, Lisa Dughi

The start of a new year brings fresh vision, renewed energy, and bold milestones to reach. At NAF, we are doing just that—evolving our work, expanding our impact, and aligning our resources to better support you and the students you serve every day. 

I feel energized by what we will accomplish this year. The stories and experiences of our students and alumni, and the powerful work-based learning opportunities made possible through this network, are constant reminders of what makes NAF so strong and so deeply committed to expanding access to opportunity. And none of this happens without you. Your dedication, creativity, and belief in our students are the heartbeat of NAF, and I so appreciate the passion you bring into classrooms and communities across the country. 

2025 was a historic year for NAF. We celebrated 45 years of impact while also strengthening key partnerships and welcoming new supporters into the network, including, Britebound (formerly American Student Assistance), with a seven-year strategic partnership to support expansion and scaling of academies and work-based learning initiatives across the country. And this year, there is so much more to come.  

KnoPro officially surpassed 40,000 users across all 50 states—a milestone that reflects both innovation and collective commitment. Five years ago, we knew we needed to think differently about how we prepare students for what’s next. Because of your embrace of the platform, thousands of students have built career-readiness skills, added leading companies to their work experience, and earned more than $300,000 in cash prizes. This year, we are taking it even further with new partners, fresh challenges, and innovative skill-building opportunities. 

This year, we will also launch a new five-year strategic plan that will serve as a roadmap for NAF’s future. It will sharpen our priorities, strengthen our programming, guide academy growth, and deepen how we measure impact, and success. More will be shared in the coming months, but this moment represents a powerful opportunity to reimagine what’s possible for NAF and the network we are building together.  

As we dive into 2026, this moment feels full of possibility, even amid challenges and change. Together, we are not just responding to what the future demands—we are shaping it. Thank you for the leadership, care, and conviction you bring to this work every day. Because of you, students across the country are gaining the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive. I am proud to walk into this next chapter with you and am deeply grateful for the collective commitment that makes this work, and its impact, possible.

With gratitude,

Lisa Dughi, CEO

NAF