The Partners for Progress initiative began in 2000 when the Department of Transportation's Minority Network Organization (MNO) and the Department of Natural Resources' Diversity Workforce Committee partnered together to offer a summit whose mission was and is to provide information and enhance personal and professional development in an extremely positive, diverse, and interactive environment and to bestow the John H. Mathis Trailblazer Award. The purpose of the John H. Mathis Trailblazer Award is to recognize and celebrate outstanding accomplishments and sustained commitment by an individual, community, organization, state agency and/or business organization in the area of promoting appreciation for diversity and cultural understanding.

In the years since, the Department of Correction, Department of Education, Department of State, Office of Management and Budget, Department of Finance, and the Administrative Office of the Courts have joined the partnership, recognizing the significance and benefits of the summit and the value it presents to their employees.

For the last several years, the number of participants has reached nearly 400 people. Individuals from private and state sectors come to network with others and gain knowledge in areas including professional development, mental and physical health, personal finance, communication, and diversity. The Summit Committee's ultimate goal is to add a new partner every year, allowing its participants to build new and stronger networks while enhancing their knowledge personal and professional development.

The Summit Committee begins its planning every January to ensure quality presenters and diverse topics that can reach all participants from diverse professional and personal backgrounds. The Summit Committee's goal is to add a new partner every year to spread knowledge about workforce diversity and to build networks for more and more individuals.