EVENT

Groom Curriculum at NACCE's Pathways to Prosperity Summit

June 2026 | Cleveland, Ohio

Elevating Professional Pet Grooming in Workforce Education

Groom Curriculum had the privilege of participating in the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) Pathways to Prosperity Summit in Cleveland, Ohio. The conference brought together community college leaders, workforce professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry partners to explore innovative solutions that strengthen local economies through education, entrepreneurship, and skilled trades.

For Groom Curriculum, it was an opportunity to continue an important conversation. Professional pet grooming deserves a place alongside other recognized skilled trades.

Three panelists seated on stage during a NACCE event, smiling and holding blue 'We are NACCE' folders. A floral arrangement sits on a glass table in front of them, and two panelists hold microphones as they engage in discussion.

A Seat on the Main Stage

Groom Curriculum President Sierra Elbert was honored to serve as a featured panelist during the mainstage session, “Jobs Today. Businesses Tomorrow. The Skilled Trade Advantage.”

Drawing from her own journey from professional dog groomer to entrepreneur, Sierra shared how skilled trades create more than jobs. They create careers, businesses, financial stability, and opportunities that can change the trajectory of families and communities.

That story reflects the mission behind Groom Curriculum. We partner with colleges, employers, correctional education programs, and workforce organizations to create accessible career pathways into the professional pet grooming industry.

WATCH THE DISCUSSION

Creating Meaningful Connections

While Sierra participated in conference programming, Sales Lead, Colin Montag welcomed attendees at the Groom Curriculum booth throughout the summit.

One of the booth’s most popular experiences was Packinality, our durable skills assessment that helps individuals discover their unique communication and leadership style. Visitors enjoyed learning their Packinality profile while exploring how Groom Curriculum prepares students with both technical skills and the workplace behaviors employers value most.

The booth became more than an exhibit. It became a place for meaningful conversations with community college leaders, workforce organizations, and industry professionals interested in expanding career opportunities through professional pet grooming.

Outside of exhibit hours, Colin continued those conversations over dinner with prospective college partners, discussing how Groom Curriculum could support new workforce initiatives at their institutions.

As with many conferences, some of the most valuable moments happened between sessions. Ideas were exchanged, new partnerships began, and several colleges expressed interest in exploring Groom Curriculum as part of their workforce development strategy.

Two representatives stand behind a Groom Curriculum exhibit booth promoting dog grooming education. The display features educational materials, brochures, business cards, a mannequin dog head for grooming demonstrations, and branded signage highlighting online learning and hands-on training.

Conference Themes That Reinforced Our Mission

Throughout the summit, one message remained clear. The future of workforce education depends on strong partnerships between education and industry.

Conference sessions focused on entrepreneurship, workforce innovation, career pathways, economic development, employer partnerships, and preparing students for the future of work. These conversations reinforced what Groom Curriculum has believed from the beginning. Career-focused education has the greatest impact when students graduate with both technical expertise and the durable skills needed to thrive in today’s workforce.

Looking Ahead

We left Cleveland with more than new contacts. We left inspired.

The conversations throughout the conference reaffirmed that community colleges are actively searching for innovative workforce programs that lead directly to employment and create meaningful opportunities for students. We are excited to continue the relationships that began at Pathways to Prosperity and work alongside colleges, employers, and workforce organizations to expand access to professional pet grooming education across the country.

Every new partnership brings us one step closer to our vision of making professional pet grooming a recognized and respected workforce pathway while preparing the next generation of skilled professionals for successful careers.

Ready to Build a Workforce Pathway?

Whether you’re a community college, workforce agency, correctional education provider, or employer, Groom Curriculum provides a turnkey solution to launch an industry-recognized pet grooming program.

Contact Us to learn how we can help bring professional pet grooming education to your community.