2026 CACTE CareerTech Summit

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.

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. 

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.

This session shares how we are building an Adult/Postsecondary CTE pathway that centers both completion and care for the whole learner. Grounded in Adult Education, CTE, care for the whole person, and accompaniment, our approach focuses on meeting students where they are and walking alongside them toward their goals. We’ll share how we connect programs, strengthen advising, and create intentional pathways that support persistence. We’ll also speak honestly about challenges and lessons learned. Participants will explore how equity, relationships, and cross-program collaboration can shape more responsive and effective pathways (ACE) for adult learners.

Discover a fun and creative approach to teaching key AI concepts and technologies essential for emerging careers in the robotics and automation industry—including generative AI, multimodal AI, and artificial vision using Dobot Robotics’ educational solutions. This hands-on session showcases the new Dobot E6 Magician series, AI Teaching Kit, Vision Kit, and AI Drawing Kit, which allow students to explore real-world applications like object recognition, automated sorting, and creative AI-generated art projects.


Participants will see practical examples of integrating robotics with generative AI for tasks such as intelligent drawing, vision-guided manipulation, and industry-
simulated workflows. Designed for CTE programs, these affordable, classroom-ready tools bridge the gap between theory and practice while aligning with modern manufacturing and automation standards.


Attendees will leave inspired with strategies to spark student excitement, build career-ready skills, and overcome barriers to teaching advanced AI in secondary and postsecondary settings.