The growing demand for a motivated, well-trained STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) workforce in emerging and advanced technology fields requires attracting and retaining a broad pool of talented students. NSF’s ExLENT (Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies) initiative addresses this need by supporting programs that use experiential learning to introduce participants to real-world, problem-solving experiences that build both knowledge and practical skills. However, the education and workforce sectors often operate in isolation, with limited overlap, collaboration, or systems-level thinking to support such integrated workforce development. To help bridge this gap, the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) will organize two national forums—one in-person and one virtual—bringing together ExLENT grantees, business and industry leaders, and experts in experiential learning. These forums will allow grantees to learn from each other’s experiences, explore evidence-based strategies for supporting non-traditional learners, and build connections with potential employers in advanced engineering and technology sectors. The initiative will apply an “education ecosystem” approach, helping grantees recognize the broader landscape of organizations and policies that influence participants. By facilitating dialogue within the grantee community and between educators and employers, the NAE will promote collaboration and synergy across projects and sector