A Conversation with Kathleen deLaski

Join us for a timely and thought-provoking conversation with , one of the nation’s leading voices reimagining higher education for the 21st century.

In her bestselling book, "" (Harvard Education Press), Kathleen draws on a decade of design-thinking research and more than 150 interviews with educators, counselors, employers, and learners to explore a growing crisis of confidence in higher education—and what should come next.

At the heart of the book is a powerful question:

If college is no longer a guaranteed route to economic security, what should replace it?

From white-collar apprenticeships and micro-credentials to community college pathways, online bootcamps, and self-directed learning, Kathleen maps the fast-emerging ecosystem of alternatives that are already reshaping how people launch meaningful, well-paid careers.

But this conversation goes even deeper.

In this intimate, moderated fireside chat, we’ll explore:

• What the future of work actually looks like in the age of AI
• How arts education, creativity, and human skills fit into tomorrow’s job market
• What educators, counselors, and institutions can do now to help youth thrive in a world where career paths are no longer linear

This is a rare opportunity to step back, zoom out, and engage with the ideas shaping the next generation of learning.

Join us for an afternoon of big ideas, honest questions, and a fresh vision for what education can be.

12:00 – 1:30 PM
Fireside Chat & Audience Q&A

1:30 – 2:00 PM
Lunch & Networking

You're invited to read an in advance. The full book is available for purchase on , , , and .

Kathleen will be available to sign your book following the conversation.

Kathleen deLaski is the founder of Education Design Lab, a senior advisor to Harvard’s Project on Workforce, and a professor at George Mason University, where she teaches "How to Get Hired in the Age of AI". She also manages the deLaski Family Foundation, and is a longtime supporter of Sitar Arts Center and education reform nationwide.

ABOUT SITAR ARTS CENTER

Founded in 2000, Sitar Arts Center advances equitable access to high quality education and workforce development in the visual, performing, and digital arts. Sitar Arts Center engages DC youth, from early childhood to young adulthood, in building a creative community of learning and belonging that removes financial and cultural barriers to arts education and career training. Sitar envisions a city in which all young people experience transformative moments through quality, accessible arts education, and career training, and are supported on their path to discover their creativity and achieve their full potential.

For more information, visit www.sitarartscenter.org.

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