The Global Possibility Network (GPN) is a research-to-practice initiative based at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE) focused on how young people explore interests, develop aspirations, and navigate education-to-career pathways across diverse global contexts.
GPN integrates research, practice, and learning to advance understanding of how young people develop and act on possibilities for their futures. Grounded in the Possibility Development Model, GPN connects developmental research with mentoring, counseling, and educational programming that supports exploration, decision-making, and follow-through over time. While centered on youth development, GPN’s framework and methods are applicable across life stages and educational settings and are carried out through partnerships in the United States and internationally.
Our Approach
GPN’s work is grounded in the Possibility Development Model, a five-step framework that supports individuals in identifying interests, setting goals, and following through on plans over time. Across its work, GPN emphasizes relational practice, understood as sustained, trust-based engagement that supports reflection, agency, and growth. Research insights are directly connected to mentoring, counseling, and educational programming, allowing theory and practice to inform one another.
Our Work
GPN’s activities are organized across three integrated units: the Possibility Academy, the Possibility Clinic, and the Possibility Lab.
Possibility Academy
The Possibility Academy offers enrichment and learning programming that supports exploration of interests, educational pathways, and future opportunities. Current offerings are delivered through partnerships with independent and international schools, with programs typically enrolling cohorts of students through school-based collaborations. Depending on scope and context, Academy programming may result in letters of participation or certificates of participation or completion issued through Penn GSE-affiliated initiatives. While current activity is concentrated in private and international school contexts, Academy offerings are designed to be adaptable across diverse educational systems over time.
Possibility Clinic
The Possibility Clinic provides mentoring, counseling, and coaching support for young people and partner institutions, delivered primarily through online formats. The Clinic serves individuals, families, schools, and youth-serving organizations seeking structured guidance around exploration, decision-making, and future planning. Services are delivered by GPN-affiliated practitioners and are designed to align with broader counseling and clinical initiatives within Penn GSE as they continue to develop.
Possibility Lab
The Possibility Lab serves as GPN’s research and innovation arm, supporting research-to-practice work on human development, program design, and learning systems, with a focus on youth. The Lab conducts applied research, supports participatory inquiry, and collaborates with institutional partners to design, pilot, and evaluate programs. Lab activities also include research-oriented communications and convenings, such as the GPN Speaker Series, which features recorded discussions with scholars and practitioners working at the intersection of research and practice.
Global Partnerships
GPN works with schools, NGOs, and institutional partners in the United States and internationally. Current and recent collaborations include partnerships in Central Asia, East Asia, and North and South America, with a focus on building mentoring, counseling, and youth development capacity across diverse educational systems.
Our People
Leadership
Michael J. Nakkula, Ed.D.
Director, Global Possibility Network | Professor of Practice, Penn GSE
Dr. Nakkula leads the Global Possibility Network at Penn GSE. His teaching and research focus on resilience and possibility development among children and adolescents, with particular attention to youth from low-income backgrounds. He partners with organizations in the U.S. and internationally on applied research and program design that supports youth development and mental health.
Andrew Babson, Ph.D.
Associate Director, Global Possibility Network
Dr. Babson is a researcher and practitioner focused on youth cultures and youth possibility development, including work in South Africa. He has taught at Penn GSE and at Temple University’s College of Education and Human Development. His work links research, program design, and international partnerships across education-to-career pathways.
Team
Flavio Serapiao, Ed.D.
Lecturer, Penn GSE
Dr. Serapiao teaches counseling for school-to-career transitions and organizational leadership at Penn GSE. His interests include human development, career counseling, talent management, and leadership. He previously held senior executive roles, including Chief Human Resources Officer at a major multi-channel retail group in Latin America.
Bruce Zou, Ed.D.
Senior Research Associate, Global Possibility Network | The Wharton School
Dr. Zou is an organizational learning and workforce development specialist with a Doctor of Education from the University of Pennsylvania. His work focuses on upskilling and reskilling solutions and cross-cultural program delivery.
Jackie Joyce, M.S.Ed.
Research Associate, Global Possibility Network
Jackie Joyce is an educator and certified school counselor focused on education equity and student advocacy. She earned an M.S.Ed. in School and Mental Health Counseling from the University of Pennsylvania and has held college access roles supporting students in Philadelphia and Camden. Her work centers on strengthening postsecondary planning and early intervention supports.
Camila Anderson, M.S.Ed.
Research Associate, Global Possibility Network | The Perelman School of Medicine
Camila Anderson is a counselor and researcher focused on how counseling supports growth, resilience, and purpose. She earned an M.S.Ed. in School and Mental Health Counseling from the University of Pennsylvania and has worked on curriculum development using the Possibility Development framework.
Deniz Inanici, M.S.Ed., M.Phil.Ed., LPC
Research Associate, Global Possibility Network | Doctoral Candidate, University at Buffalo
Deniz Inanici is a counselor and researcher focused on youth mental health and career development through mentoring and possibility-based approaches. She is a doctoral candidate in Counseling Psychology at the University at Buffalo and a Licensed Professional Counselor. Her work bridges counseling, mentoring, and education across cultural contexts.
Affiliates and Advisors
Nathan Wu
Program Development Lead (Asia-Pacific Region), Global Possibility Network
Nathan Wu works in education program development and operations, supporting program delivery and partnership development across the Asia-Pacific region.
José Mauro Rocha de Barros
Regional Advisor, Partnerships (Brazil), Global Possibility Network
José Mauro Rocha de Barros is a mentor and board advisor with executive experience focused on strategy, governance, and growth for small and medium-sized enterprises. As Regional Advisor for Partnerships in Brazil, he supports relationship-building and partnership development for the Global Possibility Network.
News & Updates
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Topic: Workforce and Youth Development in the Age of AI
Speakers: Dennis Cronin, Daniel Yunes, and David Briel
Moderator: Bruce Zou
Air Date: April 3rd, 2026
Overview
The Penn GSE Global Possibility Network (GPN) hosted a virtual speaker series on Workforce and Youth Development in the Age of AI on April 3, 2026, as part of AI @ Penn month programming.
The session brought together 62 participants from higher education, workforce development, economic policy, and the private sector, and focused on how AI is reshaping labor markets, education systems, and pathways for emerging adults.
The panel was moderated by Bruce Zou and featured Dennis Cronin, Daniel Yunes, and David Briel, who brought perspectives from infrastructure, logistics, and economic development.
“The AI revolution is not simply a technological story. It is a human development story,” said Zou, noting the need to invest in critical thinking, resilience, and agency alongside technical skills.
Key Insights
Cronin noted from industry experience that AI technologies have consistently created new types of work. He pointed to changes in data infrastructure and emphasized the gap between credentialing programs and the hands-on skills needed in areas like energy systems, networking, and cybersecurity.
Yunes focused on workforce transition, drawing on experience implementing automation at scale. While roles continue to evolve, he argued that human judgment and problem-solving remain central. He encouraged young people to build early operational experience as a durable foundation.
Briel highlighted job growth in AI-adjacent sectors across Pennsylvania and noted a shift in investment conversations, where workforce readiness is becoming a key factor in where companies choose to locate.
Discussion Themes
The event included active audience participation, with questions on AI ethics, the role of higher education, and the broader implications of automation for workers and communities.
Across the discussion, several themes emerged: the importance of integrating hands-on and technical learning; the continued relevance of human expertise alongside AI; and the need for systems that support ongoing adaptation rather than one-time training.
Looking Ahead
This session is part of an ongoing GPN speaker series focused on AI, education, and workforce development.
Future programming will continue to bring together practitioners and researchers to explore these issues and connect them to practice.
For more information on the GPN Speaker Series, contact Andrew Babson at babson@upenn.edu.
Stay Connected
Join us on social media to access select talks, updates, and materials from the Global Possibility Network. For general inquiries, please contact Andrew Babson.