Registration and networking
Start your day by checking in at our registration table, where you’ll receive your welcome materials. Coffee and light breakfast will be available on the patio.
Use this time to explore our exhibitor booths, connect with fellow attendees, and meet community partners from across education, business, and workforce sectors. Whether you’re a returning guest or attending for the first time, this is a great opportunity to make introductions, ask questions, and settle in before the main program begins.
Friendly volunteers and Foundation staff will be on hand to assist with accessibility needs, and general questions.
Welcome to the High Desert Education Summit 2025
State of the College
Vice President of Instruction, Dr. McKenzie Tarango, shares recent developments and progress of Victor Valley College.
Mountain Desert Careers Pathways Update
Join us for an insightful presentation by Director Matt Wells as he provides an update on the Mountain Desert Career Pathways program.
Breakout Session 1
Speaker · Economic Forecast Discussion · Salon A
Led by the founding partner at CVL Economics, Adam J. Fowler, this session will provide insights into economic trends impacting the local market, offering valuable predictions for future growth and investment strategies.
Interactive Workshop · AI for Everyone: Time-Saving Tools, Smart Prompts, & Practical Tips · Salon B
This session will offer an engaging, hands-on experience focused on solving real challenges. Expect tools, tactics, and examples you can use right away in your organization or classroom. Final session details will be announced soon.
Panel Discussion · Empowering Workforce Development: The Value of Education & Industry Engagement · Salon C
Discover how connecting students with local businesses sparks real results. From internships and apprenticeships to site visits and guest speakers, this session shows how hands-on experiences prepare students for the future while giving employers access to the next generation of talent. Join industry and education leaders as they share strategies that strengthen the workforce, fuel business growth, and build lasting opportunity in the High Desert.
Breakout Session 2
Another opportunity to attend one of the breakout sessions described above. The same panel discussions and presentations will be held.
OPEN Networking · Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce Exhibition Patio
The Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce Exhibition Patio continues at The Educational Event Center, offering a great time for networking, exploring vendor booths, and connecting with fellow attendees.
Keynote speech by Alex Weber
Alex Weber is an award-winning keynote speaker, American Ninja Warrior, acclaimed author, world record holder, and one of the youngest coaches to earn US Lacrosse Coach of the Year honors. As a champion coach and former NBC TV host, Alex brings contagious energy, uplifting humor, and real-life experience overcoming self-doubt, failure, and pressure. His talks blend actionable strategies with unforgettable stories, giving audiences a shot of adrenaline, inspiration, and the tools to lead, perform, and thrive at the highest level.
Closing Remarks · Networking · Meet & Greet
As the event wraps up, don’t miss the exciting chance to meet and connect with keynote speaker Alex Weber during our exclusive meet and greet!
