2026 CACTE CareerTech Summit

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. 

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.

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.  

AFTERNOON SCHEDULE

1:30-1:45- Welcome & Howdys (Introductions)
○ Let’s kick things off by getting to know one another. Nobody stays a stranger for long around here!
1:45-2:00 - COWBL Business (Bylaws Vote)
○ Time to tend to the chores. We’ll be taking a quick vote on our bylaws to keep the ship sailing smoothly.
2:00-2:45-College Board Presentation: Teamship
○ See details below on how to prep your students for the working world without pulling your hair out!
2:45-3:00-Stretch Break
3:00-5:00-We're heading down the road to visit our good neighbors at Black Hills Energy, 105 S Victoria Ave, Pueblo, CO 81003
About Our Hosts: Black Hills Corporation is a dependable American energy company serving folks all across the West—from South Dakota down to Arkansas. Here in Colorado, they’ve been working hard to harness the wind and sun
alongside natural gas, making sure they provide the safe, reliable energy our communities have come to expect while meeting our state's green goals.

Work-Based Learning (WBL) occupations:
● Line Repairer
● Electric Meter Tester
● Electrician Substation

This session will highlight Innovations in CTE Grant projects related to CTE teacher recruitment and retention.  Join Greeley School District and Red Rocks Community College to hear more about projects that can be replicated related to teacher externships and how that supports partnership, WBL expansion and program quality as well as RRCC's expanded onboarding process supporting teachers (secondary and postsecondary) coming straight from industry into the classroom. 

Description: Are you overwhelmed by a long to-do list? Juggling teaching multiple preps and all of your other CTE duties? Do you feel like your passion and flame for this profession are burning out? You are not alone. Join Emily as she shares tips and tricks for managing your to-do list, completing extra duties, and keeping your passion for CTE burning bright! Teachers at any point in their career will benefit from this workshop, but it will be geared to 3-7 year teachers. Engaging discussion, tools, and activities will be implemented to assist in gaining skills and ideas to help teachers avoid the burnout that CTE teaching can bring.