Welcome to another school year, NAF network!

As we kick off a new year of connections and opportunities, I am thrilled to celebrate your commitment and passion for educating and inspiring the next generation of leaders, scientists, engineers, healthcare professionals, financial whizzes, and entrepreneurs, among other innovative career paths. Your influence and mentorship go beyond the classroom – supporting students as they strive beyond their wildest dreams to define a future for themselves. Thank you!  

I also want to take the opportunity to welcome 35 new academies to the NAF network this year. The new class of students and educators represents the future of work and innovation, and it only strengthens NAFs resolve that our work, your work, is critical in supporting students becoming future ready, no matter their career path.

Some of the new academy pathways include Public Service, Culinary Arts, Green Technologies, Urban Ecology, Agricultural Studies & Veterinary Science, and many more diverse opportunities. Join me in welcoming all 35 academies to the network! 

I’m happy to share that the Student Field Guide is back; with the perspectives and voices from more than 24,000 students who participated in our spring survey. Be sure to check out this resource to learn what students are saying about their academy experiences and journey. The field guide is packed with data that may support recruitment efforts, community engagement and overall academy growth. 

Thanks to all the educators, student participants and winners who helped make last year’s KnoPro pilot such a success. As our NAF students do each year, KnoPro passed the test and is ready for the next chapter – a nationwide launch slated for Wednesday, September 27! Be sure to visit knopro.org to sign up for the newsletter and to get your students involved.  If You Kno, You KnoPro #IYKYK.  

Lastly, I want to share a special welcome to all NAF students – new and returning. We want them all to know that we are rooting for and supporting them as they explore career aspirations and their future paths. Feel free to share this message with your students as they get started this year. 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any ways we can continue to support you.  

Thank you for your dedication to our students, and we wish you the very best for a happy, healthy, and successful year!  

With Gratitude, 

Lisa Dughi