Celebrating Growth and Inspiring Futures: STEP's Twin-Counties Education & Business Leaders' Summit

Over 250 turned out today for the 2025 Twin-Counties Education & Business Leaders’ Summit, hosted by the Strategic Twin-Counties Education Partnership (STEP) at Nash Community College’s Brown Auditorium. The half-day event brought together educators, business leaders, students, and community stakeholders to strengthen the pipeline from classrooms to careers.

Carrying the theme Future Ready: Connecting the Dots from Education to Workforce, the summit featured expert panels focused on K-12 innovation, post-secondary program agility, and employer engagement. Education leaders highlighted efforts to grow local talent pipelines, colleges shared how programs are adapting to meet workforce demand, and business leaders emphasized the benefits of investing in youth talent.

A major highlight was the debut of the Talent Showcase, where students demonstrated skills in advanced manufacturing, health sciences, information technology, and creative arts—offering employers a direct look at the region’s rising workforce.

"NCPS is proud to showcase the strong partnership between our school system and the local business community at this summit. By working together, we are preparing students with the skills, knowledge, and real-world experiences they need to succeed. What a great event to be a part of.”

-Nash County Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Steve Ellis

"The Twin-Counties Education & Business Leaders’ Summit is a powerful opportunity to bring educators, employers, and community partners together around one shared goal—preparing our students to be future ready. I am especially proud of the ECPS students and staff who participated in the panel discussions and the student showcase. Their voices and talents remind us why these partnerships matter and how education and workforce are deeply connected.”

-Edgecombe County Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Andy Brian

The Twin-Counties Education & Business Leaders’ Summit underscores STEP’s mission to

provide “the opportunity for opportunity” by connecting students to real-world experiences and ensuring employers have access to a strong, local workforce.

A special thank you to our Summit sponsors! These include: Cummins Rocky Mount Engine Plant (Partner Sponsor), LS Cable & System (Platinum Sponsor), Astemo (Platinum Sponsor), First Carolina Bank (Gold Sponsor), Nash County Economic Development (Gold Sponsor), and Nash Community College (Hosting Sponsor).