Stacy Lightfoot (photo by Angela Foster)
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Vice Chancellor for Access and Engagement Stacy Lightfoot has been appointed to serve on the Commission on Purposeful Pathways, a national initiative supported by the Gates Foundation.
The commission, facilitated by Education First in partnership with StriveTogether, OneGoal and the Rodel Foundation, will convene experts from K-12 education, higher education, workforce development and policy to develop solutions that help students successfully transition from high school to postsecondary education and careers.
“Students don’t just need access to education—they need access to purposeful education that helps them see and seize opportunities for their future,” Lightfoot said. “This commission is about ensuring that every young person—no matter their background—has the guidance, resources and opportunities they need to succeed.”
Too many students, Lightfoot explained, face a confusing and fragmented transition from high school to college or the workforce, often encountering unnecessary barriers along the way. The commission aims to change that by focusing on key experiences—such as dual enrollment, career-connected learning and strong advising—that equip students with the support and clarity needed to navigate their postsecondary path with confidence.
The commission will focus on three principal impact areas:
- Advising and mentorship: Helping students explore career options, set goals and build relationships with trusted adults.
- Accelerated coursework: Expanding dual enrollment and early college opportunities to give students a head start on postsecondary education.
- Career-connected learning: Strengthening internships, apprenticeships and real-world exposure to help students link their education to future career success.
Lightfoot’s appointment to the commission reflects her dedication to strengthening connections between UTC, Hamilton County Schools and community partners to expand educational and career opportunities for students in the region and beyond. Through initiatives like Middle School to Mocs Scholars and collaborations with Academic Affairs to support University High students and first-year initiatives, she has worked to ensure that students have greater access to pathways that bridge education, workforce readiness and student success.
Her role on the commission builds on her previous collaboration with the Gates Foundation, mainly through UTC’s P-16 Community Investment Team—which worked to create seamless education-to-career pipelines in Chattanooga.
These efforts have laid the groundwork for more extensive national strategies aimed at expanding opportunities in workforce development.
“We’re thrilled Stacy Lightfoot is serving on the Commission on Purposeful Pathways,” said Kelly Kovacic Duran, Principal Consultant at Education First. “The commission is a time-bound initiative bringing together diverse leaders and students to identify and clarify the most effective experiences and approaches that empower students with the skills to evaluate their options, make informed decisions and actively pursue their aspirations.
“Stacy’s deep expertise, thoughtful leadership and commitment to community-driven solutions will be incredibly valuable to the commission. Her experience bridging academic innovation with real-world impact will be instrumental in advancing this vital work.”
The work of the Commission on Purposeful Pathways will serve as a foundation for the Pathways Impact Fund, a new national initiative being developed by StriveTogether in partnership with the Gates Foundation and Walton Family Foundation. This fund will mobilize resources to expand high-quality student pathways and provide support for regional organizations working to bridge the education-to-career gap.
Additionally, the commission has partnered with Big Picture Learning to ensure that student voices are at the center of its work. The initiative will include youth commissioners and a youth engagement playbook, highlighting best practices for student-centered education and career design.
Over the next eight months, the commission will meet virtually and in person to develop a comprehensive report that synthesizes research, outlines best practices and provides policy recommendations to scale effective student pathways nationwide.
The final report, set to be released in late 2025, will help shape future investments, guide policymakers and inform education leaders on how to best prepare students for the workforce of tomorrow.
For more updates on the commission’s work, visit the Education First website or follow UTC’s Division of Access and Engagement.
