NAF Network, Welcome Back!

Hello NAF network,

Welcome Back! As a new school year begins, I am filled with excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside each of you in this powerful movement for impact and career readiness. Over the next year, students will discover new pathways, connect with business professionals, and take part in experiences that will shape their futures well beyond their NAF academy years. Together, we are creating opportunities that transform lives and open doors for generations to come.

At NAF Next 2025, alumna Christina Pahcheka Ybarra reminded us: “The NAF Academy taught me that excellence isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being consistent.” Her words capture the lasting lessons our students carry with them, made possible by your dedication and commitment. This year, we once again have the privilege of helping young people uncover their strengths, grow in confidence, and prepare to take on the world.

We are thrilled to welcome 40 new academies to the NAF network in the 2025–2026 school year. Their launch is a testament to the continued strength and growth of our network. These academies expand our reach across both established pathways and new, future-focused fields, including:

Design & Curriculum
Agricultural Science
Business Management & Entrepreneurship
Sustainable Agriscience
Transportation Infrastructure

We are also excited to share updates to NAF resources and curriculum:

AI Career Connections: New modules, aligned to our five traditional pathways (Engineering, IT, Finance, Hospitality & Tourism, and Health Sciences), help students explore how AI is shaping industries and careers.
AI Skill Development: Tools and resources are now available to integrate AI skills into Work-Based Learning (WBL) activities.
Curriculum Updates: Our Principles of Hospitality, Events & Tourism course has been refreshed and updates to Event Planning and Delivering Great Customer Service will be released in summer 2026.
WBL Tracker Reminder: We encourage you to review last year’s WBL data and student reflection forms to help shape impactful experiences. Don’t forget to track your activities using the WBL Tracker—last year, more than 60,000 NAF students participated in WBL! 🎉

This year, we are also doubling down on efforts to connect alumni with quality college internships, professional development, and career opportunities. The first step is ensuring we maintain strong connections is with the 2025 Alumni Survey, which is now live. Please encourage all alumni, whether recent graduates or those who walked the stage decades ago, to take 10 minutes to complete it.

We look forward to celebrating the meaningful moments and successes of the year ahead. Please be sure to share achievements with your portfolio manager or directly with the NAF Marketing & Communications team, and don’t forget to tag NAF (@NAFCareerAcads) on social media so we can amplify your work.

Here’s to a safe, inspiring, and impactful 2025–2026 school year!

With gratitude,

Lisa Dughi, NAF CEO

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