#United States #Washington D.C. #education summit #Reagan Institute #Tim Kaine

Ronald Reagan Institute to Host RISE 2025

On September 18, 2025, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute will hold its 8th annual Reagan Institute Summit on Education (RISE) at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. This event will feature a prominent lineup of speakers, including U.S. Senator Tim Kaine from Virginia and Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, alongside key education officials and thought leaders from across the country. The summit aims to address critical challenges facing the U.S. education system today.

The theme for this year's summit, "Igniting the Flickering Spark," resonates with the urgency of reform echoed in President Reagan's historic speech, “A Nation at Risk,” which highlighted significant concerns about educational standards. The summit aims to tackle essential topics such as academic recovery, student mental health, and systemic improvements within higher education to meet the changing demands of the economy.

Dr. Ellen Dollarhide McCoy, Associate Director at the Ronald Reagan Institute, expressed that the education system needs to adapt to ensure economic opportunities for today’s students. With mounting issues like declining NAEP scores and a growing crisis in student well-being, the summit intends to foster discussions aimed at igniting transformational educational policies.

Besides Senator Kaine and Governor Dunleavy, the event will include notable figures like Kentucky Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman and various education advocates. Confirmed speakers also encompass experts from academia and policy-making such as Jeanne Allen, Doug Belkin from The Wall Street Journal, and Dr. Ashley Berner from the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy.

Roger Zakheim, Director of the Ronald Reagan Institute, noted that RISE has been an essential platform uniting leaders from varying perspectives, emphasizing the necessity for innovative policy changes to reinforce the education system. This gathering serves as a testament to President Reagan's legacy, advocating for an inclusive, rigorous, and future-oriented education model.

The agenda will encompass diverse discussions aimed at addressing the pressing issues related to the evolving landscape of education in America. With topics ranging from improving student mental health resources to reforming colleges and universities, the summit stands as a vital forum for stakeholders committed to enhancing educational outcomes for all students.

In-person attendance is by invitation only, with potential attendees encouraged to request invitations through the Ronald Reagan Institute's website for further details and updates regarding the agenda.

Conclusion

As the summit approaches, anticipation builds for pivotal discussions that can shape the future of education in the United States. Leaders from various sectors are set to converge, aiming to collaborate on new strategies and solutions necessary for cultivating a robust educational framework that aligns with societal needs and expectations. The 2025 Reagan Institute Summit promises not only to reflect on significant challenges but to ignite hope for innovative pathways for learning and opportunity in the years ahead.