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Winter Quarterly Newsletter | | |
Hello Counseling and Career Development Members! | |
As winter settles in, it offers a natural pause—a moment to reflect on the important work happening across our counseling and career development (CCD) community and to reconnect with the purpose that brings us together. Even in the quieter months, the impact of our work continues to shape student pathways, strengthen career and technical education (CTE), and support learners at every stage of their journey.
This season’s newsletter highlights the people, programs, and partnerships that continue to move our division forward. From celebrating outstanding award recipients at VISION to opportunities for connection and professional growth through RECESS, we are reminded that our strength as a division lies in our shared commitment to students and to one another.
Thank you for the work you do each day and for the care you bring to our profession. We hope this winter update leaves you feeling informed, encouraged, and connected as we look ahead to the months to come.
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Sincerely,
Brooke Kusch
ACTE Counseling and Career Development Division VP
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Celebrating Excellence: VISION CCD Award Winners
At VISION, the CCD Division proudly recognized individuals and programs whose work is making a meaningful impact on students, communities, and the future of CTE.
These awards honor innovation, leadership, and dedication to counseling and career development.
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The Friends of CCD Award recognizes individuals or organizations outside the CCD Division who have made a significant contribution to advancing career development and supporting CTE.
This year’s recipient is Dee Siqueiros, Senior Education Manager at Junior Achievement Rocky Mountain. For nearly a decade, Dee has connected thousands of students to meaningful career experiences and engaged industry partners to support student success.
| | Innovative Program in Counseling and Career Development | | |
The Innovative Program Award honors programs demonstrating creativity and impact in CCD.
This year’s recipient, the West-MEC Career Services Team, has achieved a record 93% positive placement rate, delivered 483 workshops, facilitated 2,500+ mock interviews, and ensured 100% of completers leave with a post-program career plan. Their work exemplifies innovation and workforce readiness.
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New this year, the Bridges to CTE Award honors professionals who help students — particularly those within Perkins Special Populations — access and succeed in CTE.
The inaugural recipient is Amy White, whose work as a CDC/SPC reflects a deep commitment to removing barriers and supporting student success. She also leads statewide collaboration efforts and shares resources across North Carolina.
| | Rising Star in Counseling and Career Development | | |
The Rising Star Award recognizes emerging leaders making an early impact in the field.
This year’s honoree, Selina Jolly, is known for her strong work ethic, positivity, and dedication to student and community success.
| | | Outstanding Professional in CCD | | |
The Outstanding Professional Award honors excellence and leadership in CCD.
This year’s recipient, Jennifer Crowder, has surpassed $2 million in scholarships for four consecutive years, expanded college and career access, and impacted more than 500 students annually through career expos and readiness initiatives. She also serves on the CCD Policy Committee, strengthening the division’s work nationwide.
| | 🎉 Thank You to Our Networking Session Sponsor! 🎉 | | |
We would like to extend a sincere thank-you to Kuder for sponsoring the CCD Networking Session at VISION. Their support made it possible for CCD professionals from across the country to connect, share ideas, and build relationships that strengthen our work and our division.
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Kuder’s ongoing commitment to career development and CTE helps create spaces where meaningful conversations can happen and collaboration can thrive. We are grateful for their partnership and continued support of the CCD Division and its members.
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Register for Spring RECESS
Join the CCD Division of ACTE for RECESS on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 2:00 p.m. CST as we focus on compassion fatigue with Shelly Thome, certified compassion fatigue professional.
CCD professionals spend their days supporting others — often carrying the emotional weight of students’ challenges, stressors, and successes. Over time, this can lead to compassion fatigue, which may affect well-being, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability in our roles. Taking time to recognize and address compassion fatigue is essential not only for our own health, but also for our ability to continue serving students with care and clarity.
This informal, interactive RECESS session offers a space to Relax, Exchange information, Connect with others, Explore ideas, Share experiences, and Sit (and listen) while engaging in meaningful conversation and reflection.
| | We hope you’ll join us for this important conversation and a chance to recharge with colleagues who understand the work you do. | | |
CFPs: ACTE's CareerTech VISION 2026 & Centennial Celebration
ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2026 and Centennial Celebration take place this Dec. 2–5 in New Orleans, Louisiana, marking 100 years of CTE leadership, innovation and impact. More than 6,000 educators, administrators, industry partners and business leaders will gather for dynamic sessions, inspiring speakers, a vibrant Expo and unforgettable centennial events. The call for presentation proposals is now open — share your expertise and help shape the next century of CTE at the field’s largest annual gathering. Proposals are due March 15.
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ACTE’s National Policy Seminar: Celebrating 100 Years of CTE Advocacy
Join CTE professionals March 22–25 in Arlington, Virginia, for ACTE’s National Policy Seminar. Celebrate a century of advocacy, shape the future of CTE and strengthen your advocacy skills through expert sessions, peer collaboration and Capitol Hill visits. Special centennial events will honor 100 years of ACTE’s impact.
Register by Feb. 18 to save with early bird rates!
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Inspiring Careers for 100 Years: Celebrate CTE Month!
Generously sponsored by NAHB
In February, we celebrate CTE Month during a historic milestone year — ACTE’s centennial! For 100 years, CTE has opened doors, strengthened communities and inspired learners of all ages to turn their passions into careers. Join us as we honor the educators, professionals and advocates who continue to shape the future of CTE.
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Student Video Contest: Gateway to the Cosmos — NASA’s Lunar Outpost
ACTE and NASA HUNCH invite students of all ages to enter the eighth annual Student Video Challenge: Gateway to the Cosmos — NASA’s Lunar Outpost. This year’s theme explores NASA’s Gateway as a vital stepping stone for humankind’s return to the moon and exploration of deep space. Students are challenged to imagine its impact on science, technology and humanity, while showcasing the CTE courses and careers that make it possible. Open to individuals or teams. Submit a two-minute video by April 1.
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Celebrating 100 Years of Connecting Education & Careers
Celebrate a century of leadership, impact and innovation in CTE on ACTE’s centennial microsite. Discover milestone moments from the past 100 years, share your own stories and artifacts, browse commemorative merchandise, read featured Techniques centennial pieces, and download resources highlighting state and CTSO anniversaries and 2026 events.
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Association for Career and Technical Education
1410 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
703-683-3111
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