#United States #Washington, D.C. #education summit #Reagan Institute #Usha Vance

Second Lady Usha Vance To Address Education Leaders at RISE 2026

The much-anticipated ninth annual Reagan Institute Summit on Education (RISE 2026) is drawing near, taking place on September 16 and 17, 2026, in the heart of Washington, D.C., at the Ronald Reagan Institute. This event promises an engaging lineup of discussions aimed at defining the role of education in an era increasingly influenced by technology and civic responsibility.

Among the highlighted speakers for this year's summit is Usha Vance, the Second Lady of the United States, who will present her initiatives to enhance literacy across the nation. The summit serves as an essential forum for educators, policymakers, and leaders to deliberate on the pressing issues that shape the American education system.

A Deep Dive into Educational Priorities

On the first day of the summit, Utah's Governor Spencer Cox is set to kick off discussions by examining his new book, Off Ramp: How to Be a Peacemaker in an Age of Contempt. Following this, the day-long program on September 17 will feature Usha Vance discussing her literacy agenda with notable figures such as Colorado Governor Jared Polis and former Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Other prominent participants include U.S. Senator Todd Young from Indiana and U.S. Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education Kirsten Baesler. The gathering will also welcome The Atlantic's David Brooks, who will facilitate substantial conversations on educational improvement and innovation.

Exploring the Future of Education

Ellen Dollarhide McCoy, who serves as the Associate Director of the Ronald Reagan Institute's Center for Civics, Education, and Opportunity, elaborated on the summit's aim. She reflects on how, even in the 1980s, Americans recognized the transformative potential of technology, a foresight that has manifested urgency in today's education discourse. The summit will seek to address the future of education amid technological advancements and evolving societal needs.

Over the course of RISE 2026, discussions will revolve around pivotal themes, such as creating informed citizens, equipping students with requisite knowledge and skills, and preparing youth for a world significantly reshaped by artificial intelligence (AI).

A Collaboratively Curated Experience

In addition to Usha Vance and other key speakers, RISE 2026 will host a collection of esteemed education leaders including Sian Beilock, President of Dartmouth College; Jim Blew, Co-Founder of the Defense of Freedom Institute; and numerous other prominent figures within the education sector. Their collective expertise is expected to foster dynamic discussions emphasizing the necessity of bold policy changes that will guide American education into the future.

Roger Zakheim, the Director of the Ronald Reagan Institute, expressed enthusiasm for the summit, stating, "RISE has served as a unique forum for bringing together leaders who may differ on the details but are united in the conviction that we must pursue bold policy change to ensure our education system is a pathway to a strong future." He emphasized that the summit aims to promote excellence and expand opportunities for young Americans while instilling the civic understanding necessary to uphold America's foundational principles of freedom.

Join the Conversation

As anticipation builds for RISE 2026, in-person attendance is by invitation only, while virtual registration will also be available for those who wish to tune in from afar. Detailed registration information can be accessed at ReaganFoundation.org/RISE.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, which oversees the summit, is dedicated to fostering a legacy rooted in individual liberty, economic opportunity, and national pride through education and advocacy. It serves as a catalyst for meaningful discussions surrounding the critical role of education in shaping the future of the nation.

As leaders convene for this noteworthy event, the overarching aim remains clear: to redefine education as a necessary journey of discovery and empowerment for every American student, even as the landscape continues to evolve.