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2026 CACTE CareerTech Summit

2026 CACTE CAREERTECH SUMMIT WELCOMES YOU!
July 19-23, 2026
PUEBLO CONVENTION CENTER
Pueblo, CO

FAQs and up-to-date conference information can be found on the 2026 CACTE CareerTech Summit Page.
Registration rates, lodging information, and the Call for Proposals link are located there.

For General Conference Questions, contact Sheri Bryant, Assistant Director & Conference Coordinator, at [email protected]
For Exhibitor Questions and Support, contact Janet Brophy, Summit Assistant, at [email protected]

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11:20am MDT

Aligning CTE Programs to Regional Workforce Needs with iCEV

Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:20am - 12:10pm MDT

Meeting Room 2/3

Colorado’s Career and Technical Education programs play a critical role in supporting Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness by helping learners demonstrate essential skills, complete meaningful career planning through ICAP, and transition successfully into postsecondary education or the workforce. In this session, explore how iCEV delivers industry-aligned curriculum and credential preparation, including certifications with partners such as Ducks Unlimited and EETC, that support hands-on learning in high-demand Colorado industries. Participants will gain practical strategies for strengthening career pathways, embedding essential skills, and aligning instructions to Colorado’s PWR performance indicators and employer expectations.

Speakers

Angie Daly

Territory Manager, iCEV

Angie Daly is a dedicated Career and Technical Education (CTE) leader who is passionate about empowering educators and students. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education from Colorado State University and began her career as an Agriculture Education Teacher, helping... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:20am - 12:10pm MDT
Meeting Room 2/3 Pueblo Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

11:20am MDT

Careers in Construction Colorado: An Authentic Industry Sponsored CTE Pathway

Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:20am - 12:10pm MDT

Meeting Room 4/5

Learn how the Careers in Construction Colorado (CICC) model unites the construction industry to educate, empower, and employ students. This model is designed to support students with industry recognized curriculum and training that meets industry standards, and to connect them with employers in the geographic areas in which they live. We partner with Trade Associations or other business organizations across the state of Colorado to directly support local schools with funding and industry involvement such as guest speakers, job shadows, site visits, internships, and job placement within their member companies. With this model, schools effectively provide students with opportunities to earn industry recognized certifications, take part in authentic work-based learning experiences, and achieve college credit. Each student leaves high school much better prepared for the career pathway that’s relevant to them.

Speakers

Nikki Carter

CTE Director, Widefield School District 3

Nikki Carter serves as the CTE Director for Widefield District 3, where she has worked since 2005. Previous roles include Business Teacher and Work-Based Learning Coordinator. Currently, she oversees Perkins, program approvals, CTA reporting, and supports Widefield’s off-site skilled... Read More →

Glenn Hard

Director of Recruitment and Retention, Careers in Construction Colorado

Careers in Construction Colorado is a non-profit oraganization who unites the construction industry to facilitate construction trades programs in high schools.

Kolleen Johnson

Retired

Kolleen Johnson is the Executive Director of Student Services in Manitou Springs School District. She’s been a building and district leader for 13 years. She is the PWR director and has been a partner with CICC for 7 years. She believes career-connected learning is the best programming... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:20am - 12:10pm MDT
Meeting Room 4/5 Pueblo Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

11:20am MDT

Conference Planning Made Easy: Tips & Tricks for Success

Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:20am - 12:10pm MDT

Fortino Grand Hall C-East

Whether you're organizing an intimate one-day seminar or an expansive multi-day conference, the difference between a seamless event and a chaotic one often comes down to preparation. This workshop equips planners of all experience levels with the essential tools, strategies, and insider knowledge needed to execute a successful conference from start to finish.
Through practical guidance and real-world scenarios, you'll discover how to streamline logistics, manage timelines, coordinate vendors, and keep attendees engaged — no matter the scale of your event. More importantly, you'll learn how to anticipate and sidestep the common pitfalls that derail even the most well-intentioned conferences.
Walk away with a proven framework that brings clarity to the chaos, confidence to your planning process, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your event is built to run smoothly, efficiently, and professionally.

Speakers

Jody Bennett

Program Director - BMEF, Colorado Community College System

Jody Bennett is the new Program Director for Business, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Finance. As the leader of the BMEF team she is fortunate to work with a team of conference planning experts in Molly Davis (FBLA), Brad Peer (DECA) and John Tower. She has successfully coordinated... Read More →

Brad Peer

Asst Prog Dir - DECA State Advisor, Colorado Community College System

Brad Peer is the Assistant Program Director and State Advisor for Colorado DECA. In his eighth year as the DECA State Advisor he has learned many different tips and tricks for working with small venues to large scale resorts. Overseeing an annual conference of over 4000 attendees... Read More →

Molly Davis

Asst Prog Dir/FBLA State Adviser, Colorado Community College System

Molly Davis is the Assistant Program Director and State Adviser for Colorado Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). In her fourth year of conference planning, she has perfected a variety of small things that lead to big successes. Molly has coordinated 1, 2, and 3+ day conferences... Read More →

Conference Planning Made Easy CACTE 2026 pptx

Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:20am - 12:10pm MDT
Fortino Grand Hall C-East Pueblo Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

11:20am MDT

Leadership Accountability Conversations: A Framework for CTE Educators & Leaders

Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:20am - 12:10pm MDT

Exhibit Hall A1

This interactive session introduces the Leadership Accountability Conversation (LAC) Models—structured approaches for CTE administrators, educators, and leaders to foster accountability in educational settings for both students and adults. Participants will explore how different situations require different approaches, practice applying a model, and consider implementation strategies to promote growth, responsibility, and professional expectations.

Speakers

Chaney Mosley

Teacher Educator, Middle Tennessee State University

Dr. Chaney Mosley is a career and technical education professional, teacher educator, and former National President of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE). With more than 20 years of experience spanning classroom teaching, educator preparation, research, outreach... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:20am - 12:10pm MDT
Exhibit Hall A1 Pueblo Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

11:20am MDT

Let’s Go Fish! Casting for Community Partners and Opportunities

Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:20am - 12:10pm MDT

Exhibit Hall A2

Building strong community partnerships doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—it can be as fun and strategic as going fishing! In this session, we’ll show you how to cast your line with confidence—cold calling, connecting, and marketing your school or program’s needs to attract the right collaborators. Using a “catch and release” approach, you’ll see examples, learn best practices, and explore proven strategies for establishing authentic connections, then have a moment to try out your ideas in real time. You’ll leave with a toolkit packed with cold call/email scripts, a partnership prospecting “fishing map,” tips for establishing relationships, and curated resources to keep your network growing. This session is perfect for educators, work-based learning coordinators, and administrators ready to hook meaningful partnerships that expand student career exploration and skill development. This session is ideal for educators, work-based learning coordinators, and administrators who are new to WBL or looking to refresh their skills, and who want to expand their social capital, build meaningful connections, and establish and cultivate new partnerships.

Speakers

Miranda Ziegler

Work-Based Learning Specialist, Jeffco Public Schools

Miranda Ziegler is a Work-Based Learning Specialist for Jeffco Public Schools, where she manages industry and community partnerships, trains and supports educators, and develops systems and planning to expand access to career-connected learning. Her work was highlighted in Hans Meeder’s... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:20am - 12:10pm MDT
Exhibit Hall A2 Pueblo Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

11:20am MDT

Program Quality Isn't a Catch Phrase, It's Our Business (Innovation Grant Panel)

Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:20am - 12:10pm MDT

Heroes Pavillion

Do you have a bold idea, but need help with how to fund it? This panel of Innovations in CTE grant recipients will deliver highlights of their projects designed to improve quality and expand access to CTE. We will share tips for educators and administrators trying to put together a proposal likely to be funded that highlights partnership and bold thinking for the benefit of learners. You will leave with ideas of projects that may be replicated using your institution's Perkins grant funds or the seeds of a new project idea that could be built in time for the next Innovations in CTE grant cycle. Examples showcased include program quality expansions in welding, health care, manufacturing, engineering, and construction from small, medium, and large school districts across the state.

Speakers

Victoria Crownover

Associate State Director of CTE, Colorado Community College System

Victoria is the Associate State CTE Director and will serve as a facilitator for CTE and Julesburg, Lamar Community College, Littleton, Strasburg, Westminster, and Woodland Park team members implementing FY26 Innovations in CTE Grant projects who will be featured.

Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:20am - 12:10pm MDT
Heroes Pavillion Pueblo Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

11:20am MDT

Stukent CTE - Courses, Simternships, Certification Prep, & Certifications

Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:20am - 12:10pm MDT

Murphy Sitter Room (Marriott)

Stukent CTE provides access to world-class courseware, simulations, cert prep, and certifications.
Business Content Areas: Business, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Finance, & Accounting
Agriculture Content Areas: Intro to Ag, AgBiz, Plant Science, Animal Science, Ag Mechanics, & Floral Design
Hospitality Content Areas: Principles of Hospitality and Tourism Management, & Culinary Arts
All CTE: Generative AI, Personal Finance, Career Readiness, & Public Speaking

Courseware (Learn): Standards-based, interactive curriculum with full-year courses. The courses include lessons based on standards, video content from a group of young, diverse professionals, formative & summative assessments, projects, discussions, & exams (auto-graded). The platform also includes a bellringer video resource based on current events and case studies.
Simternships (Simulate): Stukent CTE offers 15+ cutting-edge simulations, called Simternships, which give students hands-on learning, work-based experience, and robust application.
Cert Prep (Practice): The platform also aligns with third-party Cert Prep offerings from Certiport and iCEV.
Certifications (Certify): Stukent CTE offers 10+ Industry-Recognized Certifications that help teachers certify student understanding.

Speakers

Liv Pratt

Teacher Success Manager, Stukent CTE

Stukent CTE exists to help teachers help students help the world. They do this by providing access to world-class courseware, simulations, cert prep, and certifications.

Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:20am - 12:10pm MDT
Murphy Sitter Room (Marriott) Marriott Courtyard

Breakout Sessions

11:20am MDT

Teaching Financial Literacy: Empowering Educators Through Innovative Partnership

Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm MDT

Fortino Grand Hall C-West

Discover how a pioneering partnership with one of Colorado’s largest school districts is transforming the landscape of personal finance education. Through a comprehensive “train-the-trainer” model, educators from 11 high schools have been equipped to deliver rigorous, standards-aligned instruction that bridges classroom learning with authentic financial decision-making. This collaborative initiative is advancing financial literacy across the district and ensuring students successfully meet Colorado’s personal finance graduation requirement.
Teachers will benefit from the session by leaving with ready-to-implement classroom activities designed to enhance student engagement and understanding of key financial concepts. Attendees should include both teachers and administrators seeking to strengthen financial literacy instruction and program-wide implementation.

Speakers

Candace Dobert

Business Dept. Chair/Accounting Faculty, Arapahoe Community College

Candace Dobert holds master’s degrees in Teaching and Accounting & Finance. She brings extensive experience from industry and secondary education to Arapahoe Community College, where she teaches accounting and leads the Business Department. Candace is dedicated to preparing students... Read More →

Ivan Nikolaeff PhD

Business Faculty, Arapahoe Community College

Ivan Nikolaeff is a Doctor of Education in Educational Technology and a 25-year higher education veteran specializing in experiential learning, mobile technology, and business simulation. A researcher, adventurer, and lifelong learner, he transforms diverse classrooms through empathy... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm MDT
Fortino Grand Hall C-West Pueblo Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

2:00pm MDT

Better Together: Strengthening CTE Through Relationships That Work

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm MDT

Exhibit Hall A2

This session focuses on building stronger connections between CTE teachers, administrators, and district leaders to better support students and strengthen programs. We’ll explore simple, practical ways to improve communication, build a shared vision, and make collaboration more intentional across all levels of CTE.
Designed for teachers, coordinators, and administrators, participants will walk away with easy-to-use strategies for staying aligned on goals like industry credentials, work-based learning, and postsecondary opportunities.
The session includes interactive discussion, quick reflection activities, and real-world examples you can relate to and use right away. Attendees will also receive ready-to-use tools like communication templates and planning resources to help strengthen relationships and improve CTE program success back home.

Speakers

Leslee Herre

CTE Lead, DCSD, Career & Technical Education

Leslee Herre began her Career and Technical Education (CTE) journey teaching Family and Consumer Sciences before becoming the Douglas County School District’s CTE Lead. She is passionate about helping students find their spark, connect it to meaningful learning, and build confidence... Read More →

Natalie Johnson

Assistant Principal, DCSD, Legend High School

Natalie Johnson is an experienced educator with 22 years in education, including 16 years teaching CTE Business and Marketing at the high school and college levels and six years in high school CTE administration. She prioritizes strong relationships, hands-on learning, and supporting... Read More →

Keri Stuebinger

Asst Director of PWR, DCSD

Keri Stuebinger, Assistant Director of Postsecondary Readiness, brings over 20 years in Douglas County School District. She expands access to CTE, Concurrent Enrollment, and Work-Based Learning, creating aligned academic pathways. Grounded in relationships, her student-centered approach... Read More →

CACTE 2026 Presentation pdf

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm MDT
Exhibit Hall A2 Pueblo Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

2:00pm MDT

Early Career Literacy for Future Ready Students

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm MDT

Fortino Grand Hall C-West

Looking for ways to fill your CTE student pipeline? It starts with early career literacy where students explore career options and connect them with CTE opportunities. This session introduces strategies to encourage career awareness in K-8 classrooms. With natural entry points into both core and career-focused classrooms, early career literacy expands career discovery, encourages career exploration, and provides opportunities for students to experiment with careers in hands-on ways. It also makes room to celebrate career literacy success in skill-building ways.This activity-packed session will share resources and ideas for engaging students in meaningful ways. Participants will receive a variety of hand-outs and a free book from the Bright Futures Press middle grade career exploration collection.

Speakers

Diane Lindsey Reeves

Author & Book Producer, Bright Futures Press

Diane is an author and book producer whose work focuses on early career literacy. Her company, Bright Futures Press, offers an 89-title middle grade career exploration collection of books with ten series that tap into student curiosity with hooks like career clusters, STEM, personal... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm MDT
Fortino Grand Hall C-West Pueblo Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

2:00pm MDT

From Classroom to Career: How Teamship Supports WBL

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm MDT

Murphy Sitter Room (Marriott)

Colorado school districts are finding practical, scalable ways to expand high-quality career learning while advancing the Big Three and strengthening partnerships with local employers. This session explores how these efforts are helping districts build a more career-ready student population without overextending staff capacity.

Attendees will learn proven strategies for bridging the gap between classroom and career, including how programs like Teamship immerse students directly in real industry challenges. We'll examine how this work directly supports the Big Three and creates measurable value for districts, students, and employer partners alike.

The session will also feature firsthand insights from Marci Ames of Pueblo 60 on what is working on the ground, along with practical strategies for strengthening work-based learning so it more effectively meets the Big Three. Attendees will leave with actionable approaches for preparing students for internships, apprenticeships, and high-demand careers.

This session will also be featured during the COWBL Work Based Learning Division Day Programming on 7/22 @ 2 pm

Speakers

Chris Hughes

Director, District Partnerships, College Board- Teamship

I am 20+ year educator who is extremely passionate about all things CTE, WBL, PBL, Equity, and Accessibility.

Noah Hurianek

Director - State & District Partnerships, College Board - Teamship

As a seventh-generation educator, I bring a deep-rooted passion for education and a commitment to supporting all students in their academic journeys. My extensive background as a high school administrator has equipped me with the skills and insights necessary to effectively lead and... Read More →

From Classroom To Career How Teamship Supports WBL pptx

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm MDT
Murphy Sitter Room (Marriott) Marriott Courtyard

Breakout Sessions

2:00pm MDT

Scalable Work-Based Learning for All Students

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm MDT

Heroes Pavillion

As Colorado and its school districts come together to expand access to postsecondary credit, work-based learning, and industry-recognized credentials, a critical question remains: how do we ensure students are truly prepared to succeed in these experiences and in the workforce beyond them? In response to the "Big Three", Junior Achievement has designed a no-cost, engaging work-based learning program that meets up to 30 of the 60 cumulative hours required by SB 25-315, and ensures students build the essential skillsets and mindsets needed for career success as artificial intelligence disrupts nearly all industries. This session will outline the program, its outcomes, how success is measured, and how schools and teachers can implement it at scale for the 2026-27 school year.

Speakers

Lisa Hollingsworth

Internship Coordinator, Mapleton Early Career Prep

Lisa Hollingworth has been a dedicated educator for 25 years and currently serves as Internship Coordinator at Mapleton Early Career Prep. Lisa was selected as JA Educator of the Year in 2025, and recently won the ACTE Rising Star Award.

Christy Biedron

Senior Director of Education, Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain

Christy Biedron is the Senior Director of Education at Junior Achievement, a statewide organization that provides no-cost career-connected and work-based learning opportunities and financial literacy curriculum to Colorado schools and teachers.

JA Work Based Learning pdf

CACTE WBL 2026 pdf

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm MDT
Heroes Pavillion Pueblo Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

2:00pm MDT

Small Shifts, Big Impact in Making Math Visible in CTE Classrooms.

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm MDT

Meeting Room 2/3

CTE classrooms offer powerful opportunities to make mathematics relevant through real-world application. This interactive session explores practical strategies for integrating math into CTE instruction using clear success criteria and formative assessment tools.
Attendees will explore strategies for identifying math within their programs, aligning CTE competencies with academic standards, and collaborating with math departments to strengthen instruction. Participants will also receive simple tools—including success criteria templates and note-tracking frameworks—to support implementation.

Speakers

Erin Brewer

Integrated Math CTE Teacher, Cherry Creek School District

Erin Brewer is a mathematics educator at the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus who integrates core math concepts with real‑world CTE applications. She designs engaging, industry-aligned learning experiences that strengthen students’ problem‑solving and technical reasoning skills... Read More →

Jennifer Cormier

Director of CTE Program Quality, Colorado Community College System

Jennifer Cormier serves as Director of CTE Program Quality for Colorado CTE, where she focuses on supporting and advancing CTE programs statewide. She previously served as Program Director for Business and before that taught high school business while advising an active DECA chapter... Read More →

Emily Fickbohm

Dir CTE Accountability & Performance, CCCS

Emily Fickbohm began her career in education as an agriculture education teacher on the eastern plains, where she taught for 9 years. She later served as Dean of Students and Principal before joining the Colorado Community College System in 2021, first as Program Director of Agriculture... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm MDT
Meeting Room 2/3 Pueblo Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

2:00pm MDT

The Big Three Tool Kit- The CTE Super Power!

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm MDT

Exhibit Hall A1

By 2029, every Colorado high school graduate must hit at least one of the state's "Big Three" milestones: earning college credit, attaining an industry-recognized credential, or completing quality work-based learning. While these mandates may seem daunting, Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs possess the unique "superpower" to achieve all three outcomes simultaneously within a single pathway. This breakout session is specifically designed for CTE teachers and district leaders to bridge the gap between state goals and classroom reality. During the session we will utilize real-time polling and collaborative conversations ("think-pair-share" for example) to explore how to audit, expand, and advocate for CTE as an engine for student success. Participants will leave with a digital toolkit—accessible via QR code—containing implementation checklists, program mapping templates, and advocacy resources to save time and re-engage their school communities in this important work.

Speakers

Sean Norman

Dir of Applied & Advanced Learning, School District 49

As Director of Applied and Advanced Learning, I am a strategic leader dedicated to expanding student pathways. My background spans roles from classroom teacher to Principal, focusing on CTE, concurrent enrollment, and work-based learning. I specialize in designing comprehensive programming... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm MDT
Exhibit Hall A1 Pueblo Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

3:10pm MDT

Bridging the Gap with Standards-Aligned & Hands-On Curriculum

Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm MDT

Exhibit Hall A2

This session explores the gap between classroom learning and clinical practice in health science education, examining its causes and impact on student readiness and patient safety. Health science educators, program coordinators, and clinical instructors will gain actionable strategies to align standards-based curriculum with hands-on learning, bridging this divide. Attendees will learn to conduct gap analyses, prioritize competency-based content, and implement teaching methods that foster clinical competence and patient-centered care. The session features interactive discussions and insights from a local school partner guest speaker, providing real-world examples of successful integration. Participants will receive practical deliverables, including handouts, slide decks, gap analysis tools, and resource links to support curriculum refinement and immersive learning. Join us to enhance your program’s effectiveness and better prepare confident, competent healthcare professionals ready to excel in clinical settings.

Speakers

Mackenzie Finnegan

Account Manager, National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

NHA's vision is to bridge the gap between learners, educators, and employers.

Exhibitors

Mackenzie Finnegan

Account Manager, National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

NHA's vision is to bridge the gap between learners, educators, and employers.

Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm MDT
Exhibit Hall A2 Pueblo Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

3:10pm MDT

Building Powerful Partnerships: How Educators Can Leverage Local Industry Associations

Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm MDT

Meeting Room 4/5

Want stronger, more sustainable work-based learning partnerships? Start with your local industry association—and a system that helps make those partnerships last.
This session introduces educators to a national playbook from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the system-building framework of Careers in Construction Colorado and their work building a strong Industry Advisory Board and connection to their local home builders association. Together, these partners offer a powerful combination: practical tools from the field and a proven approach to creating scalable, student-centered, and workforce-aligned partnerships.
Learn how to use the NAHB playbook to spark meaningful conversations with your local HBA—or similar trade group—and how CIC Colorado's system can help you structure and sustain those relationships.

Speakers

Marlo Asher

Director of Opperations, Careers in Construction Colorado

Marlo Asher is Director of Operations at Careers in Construction Colorado (CICC), where she has advanced workforce pathways since 2019, helping thousands of students explore and enter construction careers. Passionate about community impact, she is dedicated to guiding the next generation... Read More →

Becca Wray

Program Manager, Student Chapters, National Association of Home Builders

NAHB represents the largest network of craftsmen, innovators and problem solvers dedicated to building and enriching communities.

Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm MDT
Meeting Room 4/5 Pueblo Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

3:10pm MDT

Career Connections; Western States Carpenters Premier Pre Apprenticeship Program

Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm MDT

Murphy Sitter Room (Marriott)

Career Connections is Western States Carpenters’ premier pre-apprenticeship program. Our mission is to develop partnerships within the educational community. Our program provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to choose a career in the construction industry.
1. The session will be about the Career Connections program; the training offered to students and opportunities the program offers.
2. This session will benefit administrators and high school CTE staff.
3. Postsecondary CTE Teachers will also benefit to know about the opportunities WSRCC offers after high school.
4. Deliverables will be brochures, PowerPoint Presentation, and the Career Connections program website.

Speakers

Ruben Arneros

Auxillary Rep, Career Connections

Steven Dudley

Outreach Specialist, Western States Reg Council of Carpenters

Career Connections is Western States Carpenters premier pre-apprenticeship program. Our mission is to develop partnerships within the educational community. Our program provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to choose a career in the construction industr... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm MDT
Murphy Sitter Room (Marriott) Marriott Courtyard

Breakout Sessions

3:10pm MDT

CTE Delivers...The Big 3 In Action (Innovation Grant Panel)

Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm MDT

Heroes Pavillion

This session features a panel presentation of 6 unique projects in rural, urban and suburban settings across the state that have expanded districts' capacity to deliver on the promise of the Big 3. Administrators and teachers will benefit from hearing what worked, what didn't, and how districts and colleges can partner to expand access to work-based learning (in rural areas), college credit, and industry recognized credentials. Each featured project was funded by Innovations in CTE grant funds, but could also be funded using start-up funds or Perkins. Featured programs come from skilled trades (welding, manufacturing), culinary, healthcare, and more.

Speakers

Victoria Crownover

Associate State Director of CTE, Colorado Community College System

Victoria is the Associate State CTE Director and will serve as a facilitator for CTE and Julesburg, Lamar Community College, Littleton, Strasburg, Westminster, and Woodland Park team members implementing FY26 Innovations in CTE Grant projects who will be featured.

Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm MDT
Heroes Pavillion Pueblo Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

3:10pm MDT

Escaping the IT Stereotype: Interactive Recruitment via Escape Rooms

Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm MDT

Fortino Grand Hall C-East

This session is designed for secondary CTE instructors and program coordinators who face challenges in student recruitment and retention, particularly within the Engineering and Technology career clusters. It is ideal for educators looking for "hands-on" ways to showcase their curriculum to middle and high school students who may have little to no prior exposure to IT. The content addresses the need for engaging, student-centered marketing and helps instructors create an inclusive environment that welcomes students from all backgrounds into technical pathways.
Recruiting students into IT pathways is often hindered by preconceived notions of "boring" code or isolated workstations. To combat this, our CTE campus hosts "EmPWR Day," a high-energy event where 8th–11th graders rotate through pathways. In the IT room, students don’t just listen—they escape.
In this session, attendees will step into the student’s shoes by participating in a condensed version of our 45-minute IT Escape Room. Participants will rotate through five stations covering Programming, Networking, Cybersecurity, and Career Exploration. You will learn how to design low-cost, high-impact interactive recruitment activities that demystify IT for diverse learners. We will discuss the logistics of EmPWR Day and how to scale this model for your school. Attendees will receive a "Digital Escape Kit" including station templates, clue ideas, and a recruitment event checklist to implement immediately.

Speakers

Bobbie Bastian

Computer Science and Cybersecurity Instructor, FutureForward at Bollman

Bobbie Bastian, a veteran educator at FutureForward at Bollman, is a recognized leader in Computer Science with 19 years of experience. She is the ETMA division President and a contributor to national cybersecurity standards, and facilitates AP Cybersecurity and Networking sessions... Read More →

Escape Room pdf

Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm MDT
Fortino Grand Hall C-East Pueblo Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

3:10pm MDT

Preparing ALL CTE Students for an AI-Driven Workforce

Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm MDT

Exhibit Hall A1

AI is reshaping every career field our students will enter. From AI-assisted diagnostics in health science to generative design in skilled trades, from automated inventory in business to intelligent code generation in engineering, no CTE pathway is untouched. Yet most AI literacy efforts remain siloed in computer science classrooms, leaving the majority of CTE students underprepared.

This session makes the case, with pathway-specific examples, that AI literacy is a CTE-wide initiative. Attendees will explore core AI literacy competencies every student needs regardless of future plans, then apply a practical integration framework to find authentic entry points within their existing content and curriculum. Whether you teach welding or marketing, health science or culinary arts, you will leave with a framework, foundational competencies, and an implementation plan ready to use Monday.

Speakers

Colton Fairbourn

Account Executive, Skill Struck

Colton Fairbourn is a dedicated advocate for computer science and digital literacy as equalizers for student opportunity. He believes every student deserves access to robust CS education and that student futures are being shaped now through the workforce skills built in today's c... Read More →

Megan Garnhart

Executive Director, Wyoming Association for Career and Technical Education (WACTE)

Megan Garnhart is Executive Director of the Wyoming Association for Career and Technical Education (WACTE), the Product and Efficacy Specialist for Skill Struck, and a former elementary and CTE classroom educator with over a decade of experience. She holds a Master's in Curriculum... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm MDT
Exhibit Hall A1 Pueblo Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

3:10pm MDT

The PIP Path: Turning Life and Career into Opportunity

Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm MDT

Fortino Grand Hall C-West

Through the PIP Path of entrepreneurship, educators learn to think like entrepreneurs discovering who they are, embracing innovation, and creating interactive learning experiences that ignite student potential.

Speakers

Jeffrey Lund

Founder/Lead Consultant, The TAJL Group

Jeffrey is a Lead Consultant, Master Certified Life Coach, and Entrepreneurial Mindset Facilitator who empowers others to unlock their potential. With an MBA and leadership experience in education and business, he designs innovative, real-world learning programs and helps individuals... Read More →

CACTE Conference Presentation pptx

Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm MDT
Fortino Grand Hall C-West Pueblo Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

3:10pm MDT

Using Data to Work Smarter, Not Harder

Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm MDT

Meeting Room 2/3

Data doesn't have to feel like one more thing on your plate. This session is for CTE educators and administrators who aren't sure which data actually matters for program quality. We'll look at what your program is already telling you through quality assurance results, advisory committees, work-based learning participation, and state dashboard indicators. Working in small groups, attendees will dig into real data scenarios to identify gaps and next steps. Bring your own data or use our samples. You'll leave with ready-to-use resources and templates to support ongoing program quality review. Whether you love data or just put up with it, this session is for you.

Speakers

Jennifer Cormier

Director of CTE Program Quality, Colorado Community College System

Jennifer Cormier serves as Director of CTE Program Quality for Colorado CTE, where she focuses on supporting and advancing CTE programs statewide. She previously served as Program Director for Business and before that taught high school business while advising an active DECA chapter... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm MDT
Meeting Room 2/3 Pueblo Convention Center

Breakout Sessions