Welcome to the mobile program for NCPN CONNECT 2023, the annual conference of the National Career Pathways Network. All the information you will need for an enjoyable conference experience is accessible from this page. Scroll down to see the daily schedule of events. For more on NCPN, go here.
Hyatt Place Charlotte Airport/Billy Graham Parkway
2950 Oak Lake Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28208
(877) 242-3650
Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Airport
2400 Cascade Pointe Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28208
(704) 790-7000
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Charlotte Airport
2600 Yorkmont Rd
Charlotte, NC 28208
(704) 357-9122
Harris Conference Center
First Floor
Second Floor
KEYNOTE: Aaron Buriaga
Aaron Burciaga is a renowned Data Scientist, AI Engineer, author and Advisor. As a seasoned technology and business leader in both startup and enterprise settings, he has focused his career on delivering efficiency and value through automation, data science, machine learning, Artificial Intelligence, blockchain, quantum computing, and emerging concepts and innovative technologies. Aaron is the Chair of the Analytics Certification Board. His roles have included CEO, CTO, Vice President, and Senior Director of Fortune 500s and co-founder of data and technology startups. Aaron is a Forbes contributor, frequently invited keynote and speaker, and Certified Analytics Professional (CAP). He is an appointed member of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Technology Information Service (NTIS) advisory board. Aaron received his M.S. Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School and his B.S. from the US Naval Academy.
Preparing Students for Emerging Technologies: The Future Is Cross-Disciplinary!
Wed 1:00–4:00 • Cypress
Are you wondering what employers will need from future advanced technology program graduates? In the Industry 4.0 and beyond era, the future is cross-disciplinary. Any career and technical program can adopt systemic changes toward empowering learners with skill sets that cross industries and sectors. This workshop provides a process for determining regional employer priorities for advanced digital literacy, data analysis, and business process knowledge and skills and the instructional tools for incorporating them into technician preparation programs. Participants will come away with a Toolkit for future-proofing students through the adoption of a Cross-Disciplinary STEM Core.
Apprenticeships in Career Pathways: Best Practices and Lessons Learned
Wed 1:00–4:00 • Room Change: Spruce
This session will focus on apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships within career pathways. Topics will include key components of quality apprenticeship programs, business engagement strategies, partnership building, and braided funding. Attendees will hear about best practices and lessons learned from states and regions that are significantly expanding apprenticeship. Attendees will be given an opportunity to develop action steps for integrating these into their own state and local plans.
Scaling Career Pathways: A Certification for Influencers (formerly Career Pathways Leadership II)
Wed 9:00–4:00 • Ash
This interactive workshop challenges you to take your pathways development to the next level, based on the Advancing Credentials through Career Pathways Framework. Workshop segments include:
Assessing achievements and lessons learned
Refining implementation practices to facilitate scaling
Expanding employer engagement and work-based learning experiences
Increasing awareness and leveraging stakeholder involvement
Applying market responsiveness and sustainability strategies
Participants will have a pre-workshop assignment prior to the conference, and benefit from a virtual roundtable a month after the conference.
Leading Career Pathways: A Certification for Practitioners (formerly Career Pathways Leadership I)
Wed 9:00–4:00 • Redwood
This interactive workshop immerses you in best practices and insightful discussions based on the Advancing Credentials through Career Pathways Framework. Workshop segments include:
Strategically engaging employers to support innovation
Building community partnerships to facilitate seamless transitions
Designing industry-responsive career pathways
Using pathways mapping to identify and design stackable credentials
Championing and facilitating non-credit to credit alignment
Providing holistic student supports for credential completion
Participants will develop a local action plan and receive a toolbox of resources to deploy with K-16, adult education, community, and employer partners.
Employer Engagement: From Strategy to Implementation
Wed 9:00–Noon • Maple
In a time when information is critical to success and budgets are tied to outcomes, the need for strategic employer engagement with education has never been greater. No longer can programs thrive with limited input from local employers. Educators must stay informed of—and respond to—industry-specific trends that impact skill sets, national standards, and credentials. Participants will learn the tools and resources needed to map out your employer engagement strategy.
LEADERSHIP MATTERS—Eight to Great: Pathways to Leadership
Wed 9:00–Noon • Spruce
In the workforce development arena, professionals are often on Career Pathways that lead from practitioner to the administrative conference room without the benefit of essential leadership development. Many may have been thrust into leadership roles at the state or local level or have those aspirations. If so, a foundational knowledge of core skills in preparation to LEAD is critical. This workshop will explore eight key areas of leadership and why they are necessary to achieve success in this new era of excellence. It’s never been more important in our lifetime to provide individuals the education and skills needed to compete and thrive in today’s workforce. You can play a game-changing role.
Ablr is a full-service disability inclusion organization, and our mission is to remove barriers for all people with disabilities.
400 Gigling Road
Seaside, CA 93955
asvabprogram.com
The ASVAB Career Exploration Program is a no-cost, career-planning tool designed for grades 10–12 and early postsecondary students. A validated aptitude test, interest inventory, and work-values quiz lets students explore careers in the context of their skills and interests, understand all their options, and plan the path of their choice.
10451 Nancy Watkins
Tampa, FL 3319
hccfl.edu
The National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Community ensures that our future technical workforce receives the education and tools necessary to excel professionally to meet the needs of our ever-growing high-tech industries.
For more than 40 years, Aztec Software has focused on improving the lives of adults and at-risk youth through academic upskilling and career certification preparation.
Biotility at the University of Florida provides high-quality education, training, and credentialing to facilitate professional growth in the biotechnology and bioscience industries.
1633 W Innovation Way, 5th Floor
Lehi, UT 84043
certiport.com
Certiport is the leading provider of learning curriculum, practice tests, and performance-based IT certification exams that accelerate academic and career opportunities for learners. Certiport is dedicated to helping people succeed through industry-recognized certification. Our credentials are aimed at enhancing individual productivity, marketability, and value.
4901 Bosque Boulevard, Suite 200
Waco, TX 76710
cord.org
The Center for Occupational Research and Development (CORD), a national nonprofit organization, has been leading change in education for 39 years through the design of contextual curriculum, delivery of faculty development, and leadership in Career Pathways. Stop by to learn about our curriculum services for STEM and technical fields, technical assistance for states and communities implementing Career Pathways systems, and faculty support for contextualized instruction.
615 Main St, P.O. Box 2312
Niagara Falls, NY 14302
edgefactor.com
Inspire students to explore, prepare and connect on their CTE and Career Journey! Check out Edge Factor for access to story-driven media and gamified experiences.
IACMI ACE CNC Advancing Technology & Workforce program is helping prepare new and experienced workers for top manufacturing facilities across the country. The program does not produce machinists immediately but is designed to offer a no-cost comprehensive introduction to the technology and potential career paths within the machine tool industry.
1020 SE Loop 289
Lubbock, TX 79404
icevonline.com
iCEV seeks to create innovative solutions and engaging curriculum, providing students with the focus and preparation needed for a successful transition from K-12 to post-secondary studies to career success.
1336 Moorpark Rd., Suite 176
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
masterycoding.com
Mastery Coding provides exciting computer programming, esports, and CTE curricula that combine critical thinking with project-based learning.
271 Scott Swamp Road
Farmington, CT 06032
nextgenmfg.org
The NCNGM offers educator, student, and community initiatives through its national network of manufacturing stakeholders to build a diverse workforce skilled in Industry 4.0 technologies.
750 N Saint Paul St Ste 250, Pmb 63880
Dallas, TX 75201-3206
pathful.com
Pathful, the full college and career readiness system, helps students decide what they want to be, what they need to learn, and who they need to know to prepare for life beyond the classroom. Now, one place to get college and career awareness, planning, exploration and live connections for a more insightful, impactful and meaningful experience.
1015 Kentucky
Lawrence, KS 66044
gotranseo.com
Transeo is a career readiness software platform that tracks work-based learning experiences and helps CTE and WBL educators scale their WBL programs.
122 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10023
veinternational.org
VE is an educational nonprofit transforming students through authentic business experiences that prepare them for fulfilling, financially secure futures.
492 Old Connecticut Path, Suite 501
Framingham, MA 01701
visiblebody.com
Visible Body creates interactive 3D models for A&P and biology products including assignments, auto-graded labs, and flashcards for the web and mobile devices. Our platforms improve in-class and online education outcomes while making learning life science fun.
1000 Waterford Place
Kingston, TN 37763
winlearning.com
WIN Learning helps schools, community colleges, adult education programs, corrections, workforce development and business organizations ensure all learners have the skills to be career ready.
CLINIC 3 (Fri 11:00–Noon)
Fri 11:00–Noon • Spruce
This presentation will provide a new vision of customer service by exploring recruitment and retention strategies designed to assist agencies and organizations in retaining and recruiting students within their programs. It will focus on practical strategies for helping participants develop skills for delivering friendly and attentive customer service on a human level. LaTasha V. Dale Warren, Career Coach and Career Development Facilitator Instructor, Arkansas Division of Workforce Services Adult Education Section, Little Rock, AR
Fri 11:00–Noon • Maple
The Necessary Skills Now (NSN) Network, an NSF-ATE coordination project, facilitates collaboration between educators and employers to improve the employability skills of entry-level technicians across STEM disciplines. This session will share free resources for integrating employability skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and dependability into technical programs. We'll highlight our newest teaching tools for advanced manufacturing faculty and discuss opportunities to join our next cohort. Hope Cotner, NSN Principal Investigator, President, CORD; David Dinkins, Faculty Cohort Lead, Forsyth Technical Community College
Fri 11:00–Noon • Ash
Meet the new Indiana Career Explorer, a free tool supporting students and job seekers of all ages with a customized experience designed to meet their specific needs. Career Coaching in Indiana focuses on understanding the hiring landscape, developing a personal value proposition based on strengths and interests, and communicating value. Jose A. Torres, Career Exploration and Advising Coordinator, State of Indiana, Department of Workforce Development, Indianapolis, IN
Fri 11:00–Noon • Birch
The National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education program has funding available to support CTE/STEM technician programs, faculty development, career pathways, curriculum development, outreach activities, and equipment procurement. This session will review the current ATE solicitation for funding, and will help attendees understand what activities qualify, the funding tracks, and how to prepare and apply for an award. This funding has the potential to help improve or develop a technician program. Attendees will review the ATE solicitation and learn about grant writing strategies, NSF-ATE resources, and mentoring opportunities. Gregory Kepner, Executive Director, Hillsborough Community College, Tampa, FL; Mel Cossette, Executive Director, Edmonds College, Lynwood, WA
Fri 11:00–Noon • Dogwood
Learn how a career center in Ohio created partnerships with a community college, four-year universities, and a private college. The partnerships resulted in curriculum and program alignment that provided an opportunity for our high school graduates as they matriculated to the postsecondary partner institutions. Jamie Bollinger, College & Career Coordinator, Polaris Career Center, Middleburg Heights, OH
Fri 11:00–Noon • Cypress
After a survey of high school students in which participants identified barriers to career and technical education and perceived career choice, those responses were then aligned with current pathway offerings to determine whether the correct pathways were being offered. There were gender differences as well as grade-level differences. Zak Konakis, Regional Pathways Coordinator, Utah State University, Price, UT; Jamie Cano, Professor, Associate Department Head, Utah State University, Price, UT
Fri 11:00–Noon • Redwood
This session will cover 1) how to build a college access, college readiness, and workforce development program that positively impacts student outcomes; and 2) how to ensure that access to the program is equitable and that enrollment represents the full range of students in the larger community. Dan Cocchiola, Director of Career Pathways and Workforce Development, EdAdvance, Litchfield, CT
FORUM 5 (Fri 9:45–10:30)
Fri 9:45–10:30 • Dogwood
This presentation delves into fostering self-regulation among dual enrollment students and young adults in community colleges, crucial for academic and career success. It outlines the faculty's role in developing these skills, identifying challenges, and providing actionable strategies for enhancing self-regulation, ensuring lifelong success and workforce readiness. Lane Freeman, Director of Online Learning, North Carolina Community College System, Raleigh, NC
Fri 9:45–10:30 • Spruce
The Career Foundations course allows crisis-facing populations to develop career/education plans leading to sustainable careers using their current programs as on-ramps. We will address the challenges and barriers participants face and how adult education and workforce development can serve them at the beginning of their career pathways journey. Tara D. Driver, Sr. Career Pathways Manager, Women Employed, Chicago, IL; Efrata Sasahoulih, Program Research Coordinator, Women Employed, Chicago, IL
Fri 9:45–10:30 • Maple
In collaboration with Workforce Solutions, LEAs, IHEs, and business partners, “GEAR UP: College Ready, Career Set!” has orchestrated partnerships in response to labor market needs. When community resources are effectively leveraged, students can be provided immersive hands-on experiences that simulate workplace environments and help students earn certificates to elevate resumes and prepare for postsecondary success. Alicia R. Ortega, Education Specialist, Region One Education Service Center, Edinburg, TX; David O. Gutierrez, Education Relations Supervisor, Workforce Solutions, McAllen, TX
Fri 9:45–10:30 • Birch
Partner roles in the development and sustainability of high-quality youth pre-apprenticeship programs are critical. This presentation will overview three unique programs with different hubs (business consortium, k-12 system, community college). The presenters will describe the business functions needed to create a high-quality program. James E. Bartlett, Ph.D., Associate Professor, NC State University, Cary, NC; Rusty Parker, Ed.D., Director of CTE, Cabarrus County Schools, Concord, NC
Fri 9:45–10:30 • Cypress
Hear from a panel of educators and a key employer who have been part of major BILT implementations that have been in place from several to twenty years. Panel questions will allow each panelist to highlight both successful impacts as well as challenges, together with their solutions. The panel moderator is the inventor of the BILT model. Come with your questions, and leave with answers as well as resources for implementation. Matt Glover, Yern; Mark Dempsey, National CTC; Dr. Amy Albee, Lake-Sumter State College; David Dinkins, Forsyth Tech Community College
Fri 9:45–10:30 • Ash
Alignment improves integrated education and training (IET) by applying results to job-readiness courses and assists with state approval to use effective tools. In this session best practices and perspectives on aligning micro-credentials and workforce standards to College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education (CCRSAE) and employment will be shared. Tammy J. Green, Executive Director of Community and Workforce Education, Metropolitan Community College, Omaha, NE
Fri 9:45–10:30 • Redwood
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the importance of cybersecurity has never been greater. With the growing number of cyber threats, the demand for skilled professionals in this field is also skyrocketing. This session is designed to empower guidance counselors and administrators with the knowledge they need to introduce students to the field of cybersecurity and develop cybersecurity programs, while emphasizing the diverse and lucrative job roles within the industry. Zack Hubbard, Dean of Technical Programs, Rowan Cabarrus Community College; Aimee Durham, Program Chair-Cybersecurity and Networking, Rowan Cabarrus Community College
CLINIC 2 (Fri 8:30–9:30)
Fri 8:30–9:30 • Maple
Engaging session that includes a discussion of best practices for academia/industry collaborations, along with details on the process our project team utilized to develop a digital badge to raise cyber awareness among technicians working in the areas of robotics, automation, and mechatronics (RAM). A demonstration of our free Cyber4RAM badge will be included, along with information about how our badge modules can be employed by others to develop micro-credentials for related fields (such as Cyber4EVs or Cyber4Solar). Zack Hubbard, Dean of Technical Programs, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College; Aimee Durham, Information Technology Instructor, Rowan Cabarrus Community College
Fri 8:30–9:30 • Spruce
Many students come to Title II programs as a result of barriers that have kept them from the progress they are capable of making. George Washington Carver once said that “education is the key to unlocking the golden door of freedom.” While that remains true, what unlocks the door to making education accessible to our students? This session will affirm to Title II professionals the need for advising and offer practical strategies for making it happen. Lindsay Tipton, Director of Career Pathways for Title II, North Carolina Community College System; James Thomas, YouthBuild Director, Central Carolina Community College
This session will show how an agriculture equipment maintenance and technology (AEMT) initiative brought together colleges, secondary schools, equipment manufacturers, and dealers to develop and implement an AEMT-focused curriculum and professional development. This session will focus on project highlights, partnership roles and engagement, lessons learned, and best practices gathered. Judy Barka, Assistant Director, AgCentric: Northern Center of Agriculture, Staples, MN
Fri 8:30–9:30 • Birch
This presentation will highlight how to use intentional communication strategies to expand dual-enrollment programming. We will provide a timeline of our program growth and candidly highlight the challenges that have come with this growth. Participants will have a chance to role play skills modeled during the session. Joni M. Gray, Transitional Education Specialist, Pierpont Community and Technical College, Fairmont, WV
Fri 8:30–9:30 • Cypress
Enrollment to biotechnology pathways has been a continuing challenge for many programs. Although more and more high school students are taking dual enrollment biotech courses, they often do not matriculate to the colleges offering continuing pathways in biotechnology. This session will share strategies used to engage and recruit dual enrollment high school students—and include specific visual tools and activities that can be easily modified to match your program’s pathway and in your own high school recruitment efforts. In addition, presenters will share a framework for a two-week summer course that was the focus of our recruitment outreach with students. Michael Fuller, Pathways Lead, BABEC, Burlingame, CA
Fri 8:30–9:30 • Dogwood
Our goal in training is to help people succeed in life. This session will help participants do just that by helping clients choose an ideal career and find a great job by effectively applying and interviewing. What does the table have to do with it? Come find out. Charlie Smart, College and Career Navigator, Northeast Mississippi Community College, Booneville, MS
FORUM 4 (Thu 3:45–4:30)
Thu 3:45–4:30 • Birch
This presentation describes both the process of design and development for two new programs designed to meet future workforce needs, and the way in which these programs are designed across the CTE pathway to support learners from elementary to postsecondary as a result of strategic partnerships. NiñaFe Awong, Director, Office of Career and Technical Education, Florida Department of Education, Division of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Tallahassee, FL; Nancy Ruzycki, Associate Instructional Professor, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Thu 3:45–4:30 • Spruce
What new skill sets will future technicians need and how do we integrate them into existing courses? Come learn how scenario-based instruction grounded in a cross-disciplinary STEM Core prepares students for an evolving workplace. Free instructional cards with student activities and instructor content and other helpful tools will be shared. Ann-Claire Anderson, Principal Investigator, Preparing Technicians for the Future of Work; Senior VP, Special Projects, CORD
Thu 3:45–4:30 • Dogwood
Learn how a partnership between Western Technical College (La Crosse, WI), the City of Onalaska Fire Department, and local school districts was created to provide high school students a first-hand experience in firefighting and emergency medical responder (EMR) career pathway opportunities. Tyler Ludeking, K-12 Partnership Specialist, Western Technical College, La Crosse, WI
Thu 3:45–4:30 • Maple
Many community college instructors have never worked in industry, yet they must prepare students for industry work. This summer, a group of biotech faculty were immersed in industry externships through the Biomedical Emerging Technology Applications Summer Fellows Industry Program. Learn how this collaboration with industry partners armed faculty with a new set of technical and employability skills to help students better prepare for career success. Russ H. Read, Executive Director, National Center for the Biotechnology Workforce @ Forsyth Tech
Thu 3:45–4:30 • Ash
Learn how an exit interview process will capture all seniors needing assistance with their future plans and how your team can reach every senior to assist. Having fun, engaging career exploration specific to the career technical pathways is a helpful way for students to explore the occupations in their pathways. Rachel J. Hoag, Career Strategist, Polaris Career Center, Middleburg Heights, OH
Thu 3:45–4:30 • Redwood
The ITSS project, funded by the NSF, will share its process for creating skill standards, which is applicable to any technical discipline. This work is powered by the BILT (Business and Industry Leadership Team) model, which strengthens employer relationships, aligns curriculum to workforce needs, and makes graduates workforce ready. Ann Beheler, Principal Investigator, IT Skill Standards 2020 and Beyond, Collin College, Frisco, TX; Christina Titus, Program Director, IT Skill Standards 2020 and Beyond, Collin College, Frisco, TX
Thu 3:45–4:30 • Cypress
The presenters will share promising practices and innovations that promote inclusive workforce practices through an equity lens. Join us as we demonstrate an interactive online career pathways tool that provides educators and workforce professionals with resources to engage businesses, leverage partnerships, promote career-based learning, advance DEIA, and support youth. Laura M. Gleneck, Director, LEAD/WIOA Policy Development Center, Washington, DC; Sarah Loizeaux, Subject Matter Expert on Inclusive Career Pathways, LEAD/WIOA Policy Development Center, Washington, DC
FORUM 3 (Thu 2:30–3:15)
Thu 2:30–3:15 • Cypress
The ASVAB Career Exploration Program enables educators to provide a comprehensive career exploration resource where students can discover all their postsecondary options for free. Participants will learn how to work with students to develop multiple pathways toward career attainment, including college, work-based learning, occupational credentials, the military, and federal government opportunities. Dr. Irina V. Rader, National Program Director, ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP), Defense Testing and Assessment Center (DTAC), Seaside, CA; Lieutenant Colonel Ari A. Cohen, Ph.D., Policy Action Officer, U.S. Army Recruiting and Retention Task Force; Dr. Jeraline Johnson, Director, Choice and Career Options, School District of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach, FL; Dr. Jan Bayer, Industrial/Organizational Psychologist, ASVAB Career Exploration Program, Written, LLC, Chantilly, VA
Thu 2:30–3:15 • Maple
This interactive session will inform educators on how to establish a paid or unpaid school-based enterprise. With this student-managed initiative, students will be trained on how to provide goods and services to a target market through project-based learning experiences. Attendees will receive a step-by-step plan for implementation within 30 days. Tabatha M. Spurlock, CTE Academic Advisor, Richmond Public Schools, Richmond, VA
Thu 2:30–3:15 • Birch
How can we equip all students to meet rigorous academic challenges that build their capacity to pursue excellence, especially those in the academic middle? Learn how a diverse suburban Minnesota school district identified the need, created an Early College on the high school campus, and strategically recruited students of color. Kathy L. Funston, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Pathways, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage Public Schools, Burnsville, MN; Mary Jo Gardner, Director of K12 Partnerships, Inver Hills Community College, Inver Grove Heights, MN
Thu 2:30–3:15 • Redwood
This session will describe the process of establishing a system that bridges K-12 CTE and local industry. Attendees will leave with an idea of the systems that can be utilized to place students into career training settings within counties that do not offer center-based CTE models. Chris Machiniak, Assistant Superintendent of Career and Technical Education and Systems Improvement, Berrien RESA, Berrien Springs, MI
Thu 2:30–3:15 • Spruce
In this session, participants will learn how the ESC of Northeast Ohio and representatives from its Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT), career centers, higher education institutions, state agencies, and community organizations are partnering to explore developing and creating a seamless adult (16+ to 40) education and workforce continuum. Paula Kucinic, Director of Professional Learning and Workforce Development, Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio, Independence, OH; Nadine Grimm, Coordinator of 21st Century Learning, Educational Service Center (ESC) of Northeast Ohio, Independence, OH
Thu 2:30–3:15 • Dogwood
This session explores the positive learning gains that simulated environments have on nontraditional students, veterans and adult learners, in uncrewed systems career pathways. Best practices for engaging students in pathways that provide access to hands-on activities through simulators will be discussed as well as innovative connections to collaborative, real-world scenarios. Kimberly Luthi, Assistant Professor, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL; Christian Janke, Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator BS and AS in Uncrewed Systems, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL; Keith Wilson, Assistant Dean of Curriculum and Accreditation and Assistant Professor, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, College of Aeronautics—Worldwide, Daytona Beach, FL
Thu 2:30–3:15 • Ash
Join WIN Learning team members in a fun discussion of the skills we need most and use every day. What’s the best combination a job applicant can offer? What skills are critical to life success? Where are the missing pieces? Help us decide. Polly M. Marquette, Implementation Consultant, WIN Learning, Lexington, KY; Lesa Norris, Senior Implementation Consultant, WIN Learning, Kingston, TN
CLINIC 1 (Thu 1:15–2:15)
Thu 1:15–2:15 • Ash
This presentation will highlight best practices centered around three focus areas: Strategic employer engagement, designing career pathways with stackable credentials, and supporting student completion. Participants will benefit from the experiences of five national cohorts and receive tools and resources they can deploy immediately with K-16, community, and employer partners. Hope Cotner, President/CEO, CORD; Debbie Davidson, Director of Technical Assistance, CORD
Thu 1:15–2:15 • Redwood
Come learn about the exciting new fully remote IT training program hosted in Denver. The Rapid IT Training and Employment Initiative grant from Jobs for the Future has helped the Colorado Community College System pilot and implement many exciting new programmatic elements that serve our adult learners. Torrie Costantino, IT Pathway Program Manager, Colorado Community College System, Denver, CO; Arlette Stratton, Student Success Specialist, Colorado Community College System, Denver, CO
Thu 1:15–2:15 • Dogwood
This presentation will make participants aware of the challenges faced by deaf students and share universal design and best practices for instruction that will benefit ALL students. Participants will experience what it’s like to be a deaf student in the classroom. This will be followed by a discussion of strategies for creating inclusive learning environments for ALL students. Donna A. Lange, Associate Professor, PI and Center Director for DeafTEC, Rochester Institute of Technology / National Technical Institute for the Deaf, Rochester, NY; Theresa Johnson, DeafTEC Associate Director, Rochester Institute of Technology / National Technical Institute for the Deaf, Rochester, NY
Thu 1:15–2:15 • Spruce
One of the greatest challenges we face is a lack of trust and accountability. Trust in others and institutions is at an all-time low and yet is critical to the work we do. Learn strategies to not just talk about, but to WALK around building trust and accountability with others. Josh Davies, Director of Workforce, Aztec, Morristown, NJ
Thu 1:15–2:15 • Birch
Internships are the perfect combination of education’s exposure and industry’s experience. The result is an unbeatable workforce. Producing such a workforce requires that important training and conversations must take place. Step-by-step, learn valuable techniques for developing successful partnerships and internships and improving retention. Maureen A. Lehman, Director of Workforce Services, Polaris Career Center, Middleburg Heights, OH
Thu 1:15–2:15 • Cypress
Employers and community colleges often face a knowledge gap about each other’s organizations, negatively impacting their ability to partner. Come learn how business learners engaged through an unusual program and overcame misconceptions to develop successful partnerships with community colleges to support their mutual goals to expand employment opportunities for CTE students. Jessica Toglia, Senior Program Manager, Jobs for the Future, Boston, MA; Robert Tudor, Director of IT Partnerships and Student Placement, Nashville State Community College, Nashville, TN; Nicholas D’Antonio, Workforce Strategy Program Manager, Lockheed Martin, Ph.D. Candidate, North Carolina State University
Thu 1:15–2:15 • Maple
Attendees will learn how a comprehensive public high school created 23 industry-aligned career pathways with intentional work-based learning opportunities, community partnerships, dual-credit opportunities, and aligned industry credentials. Attendees will take away advisory partnership structures, information on course alignment, and ideas for community partnerships and mentoring to foster employability skill development. Lori Heuer, Talent Development Director, Whitley County Consolidated Schools, Columbia City, IN; Jennifer Reiff, Director of Innovation (CTE) and Technology, Whitley County Consolidated Schools, Columbia City, IN
FORUM 2 (Thu 11:15–Noon)
Thu 11:15–Noon • Cypress
Positive thinking is overrated. Squarage will edutain counter-intuitive mental health content and new ways of thinking rather than the customary positive-thinking methods. Attendees will learn content to help their CTE populations enhance their mental fortitude when they encounter stressors in academics, personal situations, and today’s post-pandemic workforce climate. Eric D. Fan, Gen Z Whisperer, Squarage LLC, Walnut, CA
Thu 11:15–Noon • Birch
Civics Career Academies are a first-of-their-kind career pathway that integrates civics and workforce education. They were successfully launched in districts throughout Florida and are designed to prepare students for a broad array of public and non-profit sector careers. Cathryn R. Goble-Smith, Director, Career Pathways for Public Service, Polk State College, Winter Haven, FL; Kyle Ryan, Career Pathways for Public Service Project Coordinator, Polk State College, Winter Haven, FL
Thu 11:15–Noon • Redwood
A multi-institutional NSF study exploring conditions that lead to increased persistence and positive academic outcomes and motivational factors in engineering-related pathways will be discussed. The findings provide faculty guidance and best practices on implementing peer learning activities that can increase non-traditional students’ professional and industry-specific competencies to address future workforce needs. Keith Wilson, Assistant Dean of Curriculum and Accreditation and Assistant Professor, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, College of Aeronautics—Worldwide, Daytona Beach, FL; Kimberly Luthi, Assistant Professor and Associate Program Chair, Uncrewed Systems Applications, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL
Thu 11:15–Noon • Spruce
This session will focus on challenges and opportunities associated with addressing the national teacher shortage through Department of Labor registered apprenticeship programs, K-12 schools, and higher education, in particular K-12 special education teachers. Marci Dowdy, Pathways for Paraprofessionals Apprenticeship Coordinator, Pathways for Paras, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO; Dr. Reesha Adamson, Associate Dean, Missouri State University College of Education, Springfield, MO
Thu 11:15–Noon • Ash
Learn about a pathway that gives high school students access to four online entry-level, hands-on mechatronics courses and best practices for delivering those courses. Participants will observe how the trainers are used and learn how to participate in future National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing professional development opportunities for mechatronics. Doug Pauley, Associate Dean of Training and Development, Central Community College, Columbus, NE; Jerry Muller, Industrial Trainer/Coordinator, Central Community College, Columbus, NE
Thu 11:15–Noon • Maple
In this session, a founding director of The DeBruce Foundation will share an original research study defining factors of “employment empowerment,” which translates to higher salaries, more job security, and better benefits. The study identifies two factors over which an individual can have a meaningful degree of control: career literacy and network strength, and how organizations can build these factors to help individuals expand career pathways. Robin Smith, Founding Director, The DeBruce Foundation, Kansas City, MO
Thu 11:15–Noon • Dogwood
In this session, you will learn how Northwood Technical College is providing tuition-free training in advanced manufacturing to high school students, incarcerated individuals, incumbent workers, and members of the four Native American tribes within their region through dual-enrollment academies, micro-credentials, and mobile training units. Jeanne Germain, Dean, Manufacturing, Apprenticeships, and K12 Relations, Northwood Technical College, New Richmond, WI
FORUM 1 (Thu 10:15–11:00)
Thu 10:15–11:00 • Spruce
We all want to connect and help others to opportunities, right? Start implementing recruiting and retention practices that build trust. Change “old” models of just standing behind a table to recruit or seeing people exit. Participants will engage in activities and discussions that will help them build a list of action items. Jennifer L. Mock, Director of Academic and Career Readiness, Alamance Community College, Graham, NC; Aimee Gordon, Academic and Career Readiness Coordinator, Alamance Community College, Haw River, NC
Thu 10:15–11:00 • Birch
Hear about an innovative, exciting new approach to preparing talent (youth through adult) to join the advanced manufacturing workforce of the future. Learn about the evolution of the NEO manufacturing blueprint and what we are doing to expose our communities to manufacturing careers. Rahim Nichols, Director Early College Early Career, MAGNET, Cleveland, OH; Valen Willis, Community Relations and Outreach Manager, MAGNET, Cleveland, OH; DaJon Battle, Manager of Education and Workforce, MAGNET, Cleveland, OH
Thu 10:15–11:00 • Redwood
This presentation will discuss the AWESM grant’s mission to create more equitable opportunities for students. Content will include going over roadblocks and successes in CPL. Attendees will gain a more thorough understanding of why this is important, along with ideas on how they can implement steps at their institutions. Linda S. Robinson, Project Director, AWESM, Forsyth Technical Community College, Winston-Salem, NC; Thomas Champ, Credit for Prior Learning Coordinator, Forsyth Technical Community College, Winston-Salem, NC; Dr. Kevin Osborne, Vice President, Economic Mobility and Workforce Outcomes, Forsyth Technical Community College, Winston-Salem, NC
Thu 10:15–11:00 • Ash
This session showcases accelerated approaches that provide students opportunities to engage in dual-credit coursework and focused workplace experiences. Learn the process used to engage industry and postsecondary partners through the review of accelerated pathway examples. “Lessons learned” to support the future development of accelerated pathway options will be shared. Ivy Coburn, Division Director–Education and Workforce, Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), Atlanta, GA; Tim Shaughnessy, Program Director–Career Pathways, SREB, Atlanta, GA
Thu 10:15–11:00 • Maple
This presentation will focus on River Parishes Community College’s use of the National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity’s (NAPE) five-step Program Improvement Process (PIPE) as a means of increasing the access and success of underrepresented groups in its CTE programs. Esperanza Zenon, Professor of Physical Science, River Parishes Community College, Gonzales, LA
Thu 10:15–11:00 • Cypress
Learn how CVTC and high schools partner to offer all students college degrees at no cost to students. Hear from administrators and students on best practices and strategies for increasing access for all students. Get your questions answered and take home the blueprints for implementing this program for your students. Kristel C. Tavare, Director of PK-12 Initiatives, Chippewa Valley Technical College, Eau Claire, WI; Julia Brown, Healthcare Academy College Instructor, Chippewa Valley Technical College, Eau Claire, WI; Chad Steinmetz, High School Principal, Bloomer High School, Bloomer, WI
Thu 10:15–11:00 • Dogwood
This presentation explores integrating AI technologies to enhance learning experiences in Career and Technical Education (CTE). It delves into innovative strategies, tools, and practices that empower educators to provide personalized, engaging, and efficient online learning environments. Lane Freeman, Director of Online Learning, North Carolina Community College System, Raleigh, NC
