“Reigniting the American Dream” event in Austin highlights business-friendly policies, career-connected learning
Austin, Texas – NGA Chair Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt convened business and education leaders in Austin this week for “Innovation in Industry & Education: A Hands-On Policy Lab for State Leaders.” The interactive event explored policy solutions critical to preparing Americans for the economy of tomorrow. Innovators and entrepreneurs in business, education and policy shared insights and success stories in workforce development, artificial intelligence, education innovation, start-up success and more.
The event is the latest in a series of gatherings connected to Gov. Stitt’s NGA Chair’s Initiative, Reigniting the American Dream.
“We are a nation of entrepreneurs and builders. Entrepreneurship is integral to the American Dream,” said Gov. Stitt. “As leaders, we need to ensure there are more opportunities for the next generation of founders to unlock innovation. It was a meaningful week of discussions, and I am eager to apply these ideas in Oklahoma.
The event included hands-on site visits to:
- Saronic: A rapidly growing defense technology company that designs and manufactures intelligent Autonomous Surface Vessels.
- Texas Sports Academy: An innovative school combining leading academics with athletic excellence and life skills, featuring a 2-hour learning model harnessing the power of AI technology.
Panel discussions explored:
- AI and emerging tech trends shaping the workforce
- Outcomes‑anchored, performance‑minded education funding models
- Policy and business climate that policymakers can foster to bolster entrepreneurship
Launched in July, the yearlong Reigniting the American Dream initiative focuses on three policy pillars:
- Unlocking Economic Opportunity: Advancing the American Dream through entrepreneurship, creating a good jobs economy and economic mobility
- Empowering Every Learner: Reimagining education and creating real on-the-job experiences for youth
- Energizing the Future: Powering America’s next chapter by powering our AI future
In October, Gov. Stitt and Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer led a delegation to Switzerland to study the Swiss apprenticeship model. Future Reigniting the American Dream events include NGA’s Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C. (Feb. 19-21) and NGA Summer Meeting in Oklahoma City in July 2026.
Learn more about the Reigniting the American Dream initiative, and upcoming bipartisan events, on the NGA website.
