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Spring Quarterly News Update

NRS Division,

As my term on the ACTE Board of Directors draws to a close in the coming months, I have been reflecting on the privilege of serving you and the New and Related Services (NRS) Division. It has been an honor to represent this division, to have a front-row seat to the great career and technical education (CTE) achievements around our nation, and to support our professional organization in an impactful way. I have had so much fun these past three years and have learned more than I thought possible.

Our success as a division doesn’t come from just one person but a dedicated team. NRS is better because of our policy team: a group of individuals who work tirelessly on your behalf, advancing their sections one step at a time. Sarah, Kendra, Holly, Cheryl, Krista, Candice, James, Michael, Jen, Rich, Rahsaan, Richard, Lisa, Jill, Rusty, Stephanie and Brian: THANK YOU! You have taught me so much and helped make this division better.

One of my favorite quotes is from the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off:

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it”.

Make sure to take a step back and look at the impact you have on students and education professionals. Remember to have fun in the moment and enjoy what you are working on. You make a difference!

I want to officially introduce you to your new NRS Division vice president, Rich Trinkwalder. Rich has already been working diligently on behalf of our membership, and I am excited for him to take over as vice president. 

Sincerely,

Susan Leon

VP, ACTE New and Related Services Division

As I get closer to taking the reins of vice president in July, the more I get to see all of the fantastic work Susan has been doing for all of us. If you get a chance, drop her a personal line and thank her for all of her hard and dedicated work she put in as vice president.

Moving forward, I just hope to maintain the excellence already within this division while exploring more of what ACTE can do for our membership and discovering new ways we can get the word out about membership to those who know nothing about us. Don't hesitate to reach out to me about any concerns or questions. I look forward to working with everyone as alone, we can do so little, but together, we can do so much.

Sincerely,

Rich Trinkwalder

VP-elect, New and Related Services Division

From ACTE

Lead the Future of ACTE

As a member of ACTE's board of directors, you have the opportunity to influence the Association’s direction and make a lasting impact on CTE programs, professionals and students nationwide. Nominations for the ACTE board of directors are open through June 15. Explore the available positions and learn how you can get involved. 

VISION 2025: Early Bird Registration is Now Open!

Join 5,000+ career and technical educators, business leaders and industry experts for an unparalleled professional development experience at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2025. As the largest annual gathering of its kind, VISION offers:

• Hundreds of concurrent educational sessions covering instructional best practices, curriculum design, hands-on strategies for improving student outcomes and more

• Inspiring keynote speakers and thought leaders sharing insights on the latest trends and the future of CTE

• The CareerTech Expo, a dynamic space to explore the latest tools, technologies and resources that drive innovation in CTE

This year, we're headed to Nashville, Tennessee! Join us Tuesday–Friday, Dec. 9–12, at the stunning Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center — the perfect backdrop for networking, collaboration and career growth. 

CTE Books, Resources & More!

Check out the complete collection of resources and publications for career and technical educators in ShopACTE, including the all-new Instructional Strategies for Career and Technical Educators, The CTSO Competition Survival Guide, The Advisory Board Advantage, Transformational Work-Based Learning, the Perkins V Guide, and more!

CTE Educators: Encourage Your Students to Enter ACTE’s Student Design Contests!

Two student design opportunities are waiting for your talented students to make their mark:

• Student Merch Design Contest: In honor of ACTE’s 100th anniversary in 2026, we invite students to submit original artwork for a chance to be featured on official centennial merchandise!
• Student Trophy Design Contest: Have your students design the 3D-printed trophies for ACTE’s prestigious Excellence Awards.

Entries for both contests are due May 1.

Register Now for ACTE's Spring School Study Visit



Explore one of the nation's most innovative postsecondary CTE centers during the Kirkwood Community College School Study Visit in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Happening June 2–3, this immersive experience includes state-of-the-art facility tours, networking with CTE leaders from across the U.S., and exclusive insights from institutional leaders. Registration includes accommodations, meals, ground transportation, and airport transfers, and there are special rates for educational institution members. 

Elevate Your Leadership: Best Practices for CTE Administrators

Mark your calendars for the Best Practices and Innovations in CTE Conference 2025, taking place Sept. 24–26 at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark in Missouri. Hosted by ACTE and the National Council of Local Administrators, this event offers CTE administrators cutting-edge strategies, innovative solutions and best practices designed to address today’s most pressing challenges in CTE. 

Future Ready: The New Era of Postsecondary CTE

Join a vibrant community of practitioners and researchers dedicated to shaping the future of postsecondary CTE at the Postsecondary CTE Summit 2025! Happening Oct. 5–8 at Hilton Austin Airport in Austin, Texas, this event is packed with innovative professional development, insightful presentations from leaders transforming postsecondary CTE, and evidence-based strategies for emerging sectors and technologies. 

ACTE Impact Awards: Celebrating CTE Champions!

Know an outstanding educator, business partner, or industry leader transforming CTE? The ACTE Impact Awards are seeking nominations. Spotlight exceptional Business-Education Partnerships and Champions of CTE by June 30. Your nomination could honor the innovators driving workforce education forward!

National Leadership Development Opportunity

The ACTE National Leadership Fellowship Program is designed to empower CTE professionals by enhancing their leadership skills, offering hands-on experience in policymaking and supporting their professional growth. The 2026 cohort will run January–December 2026, with fellows receiving a $1,500 stipend, along with complimentary registration for ACTE’s CareerTech VISION and National Policy Seminar. Applications are open May 1–Sept. 15. 

Apply Now for Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize!

We are excited to announce that the application period is now open for the 2025 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence! The prize, offering $1.5 million in cash prizes, honors outstanding U.S. public high school skilled trades teachers and their programs. The application deadline is May 2.

Student Scholarship Opportunity!



Encourage students and adult learners, ages 18–35, to apply for Horatio Alger Association Career and Technical Education Scholarships, offering several CTE-specific scholarships for students planning to enroll in CTE programs at public institution. The application is open now through June 15.