Name: Escaping the IT Stereotype: Interactive Recruitment via Escape Rooms
Start: 2026-07-21T15:10:00-0600
End: 2026-07-21T16:00:00-0600

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]

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

2026 CACTE CareerTech Summit

Bobbie Bastian

Attendees (16)

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2026 CACTE CareerTech Summit

Bobbie Bastian

Attendees (16)

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