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Spring Quarterly Newsletter

Dearest PACE Division Members,

It's truly an exhilarating time to be part of the Postsecondary Adult and Career Education Division (PACE)! As I reflect on the past few months of 2024, I'm struck by the incredible momentum and achievements within the PACE division. Our State Leadership Training Program commenced with a resounding success at ACTE's National Policy Seminar in March. This event was instrumental in emphasizing the critical importance of postsecondary education needs, especially in the realm of workforce development, where our division stands as a beacon of leadership in career and technical education (CTE). The buzz surrounding Workforce Development in Washington, D.C. has been palpable for the past few years, and our division continues to spearhead initiatives that shape the national conversation and drive meaningful change.

Furthermore, the Postsecondary Advisory Group recently convened for a conference call to meticulously plan the breakout sessions for CareerTech VISION 2024. I enthusiastically extend an invitation to join us in San Antonio, Texas, for VISION! The sessions promise to be unparalleled, offering invaluable insights and resources to our esteemed members. As part of our commitment to fostering community and celebration within PACE, we'll be hosting a reception at VISION once again this year. Keep an eye on your email for a special invitation following your registration – you won't want to miss the opportunity to connect and commemorate with fellow PACE members.

Additionally, mark your calendars for the opening of the National PACE Awards application process on July 1 running through Sept. 30. Showcase the exceptional work of your program by submitting an application – the Awards Committee eagerly anticipates highlighting your achievements. Please reach out to John Noel with any questions you may have.

In the spirit of continuous improvement, the Policy Committee will convene shortly for a conference call to review the PACE policy manual and consider any necessary revisions. Your input is invaluable, so stay up-to-date on the latest news and events.

As we look ahead, stay tuned to the ACTE website for updates on upcoming national events, including the eagerly awaited Postsecondary CTE Summit in Chicago, Illinois this September. As we approach the end of the school year, let's remain inspired by the profound impact we have on shaping the future of our students and the broader economy. We are privileged to play a role in shaping the trajectory of our country and paving the way for a brighter future. Please don't hesitate to reach out with suggestions for consideration. A vote for the updated manual will take place at VISION 2024 during our annual business meeting.

Don't forget to also check out our website here for additional resources and information, as well as to stay up-to-date on the latest news and events.

Looking forward to seeing you in San Antonio! 

PACE Division News

Call for proposals for the 2024 Postsecondary CTE Summit ends Friday, May 17.

As a reminder, our 3rd annual Postsecondary CTE Summit is Sept. 18–20 in Chicago. You won't want to miss this event!

The PACE survey is coming soon! Please share your professional development needs. We will also start a PACE directory so you can reach out to one another with any questions or ideas. A new Webinar Series and many other professional development opportunities are coming soon! If you are interested in starting a PACE chapter in your state, please contact Dr. Sophia Alston. 

The PACE Division Awards recognize those individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to CTE, programs that exemplify the highest standards and organizations that have conducted activities to promote and expand CTE programs. Award winners serve as inspirational leaders: they embody the core values of serving their students and being committed to CTE. The awards portal opens on July 1 and will close on Sept. 30.

ACTE PACE Outstanding Training Project of the Year Award

ACTE PACE Innovation Award

ACTE PACE Economic Development Award

ACTE PACE Diversity and Inclusion Award

ACTE PACE Award of Excellence

ACTE PACE Ambassador of the Year Award

New CTE Resource for Families

This new brochure is designed to inform families and their students about the value of CTE in an easy-to-read brochure. Perfect for handing out at:

• The start of a new school year
• Counseling and career development sessions
• Open houses
• Parent-teacher conferences
• Anytime a family member asks about CTE

Available at the member price in packs of 25 for $19.95 or 50 for $29.95.

Become a CTE Ambassador!

Help spread the word about the CTE field year-round by becoming a CTE Ambassador with free digital and print awareness resources, including social media graphics.

O*NET Opportunity for Postsecondary CTE Professionals



The O*NET Data Collection Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, is seeking input of postsecondary educators and administrator across the nation. You have the opportunity to participate in an important initiative that will help ensure that the complexities of your profession are described accurately in the O*NET database for the American public. To learn how to participate, click here. 

Warm regards,

Kristina Ropos

VP, ACTE Postsecondary, Adult and Career Education Division

Executive Director of CTE

Oakmont Education

Columbus, Ohio

From ACTE

Super Early Bird Registration for VISION Now Open!

ACTE’s CareerTech VISION is the must-attend event for career and technical education (CTE) professionals. Happening Nov. 29–Dec. 2 in Phoenix, Arizona, VISION offers comprehensive programming covering high-quality CTE in secondary and postsecondary environments and emerging trends in the field to help career and technical educators thrive in their careers. VISION provides attendees with a rich array of networking opportunities, an Expo, hundreds of concurrent program sessions, and numerous networking opportunities. Register by July 31 to secure last year’s early-bird rates for VISION 2023!

Attend the Boutique Conference Designed for CTE Administrators

Hosted by NCLA and the Administration Division of ACTE, Best Practices and Innovations in CTE Conference provides tailored professional development for CTE administrators of both secondary and postsecondary CTE programs and institutions. This year’s event happens Sept. 27–29 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

$2,500 in Scholarship Money

Encourage students and adult learners, ages 18–35, to apply for the Horatio Alger Association Career and Technical Education Scholarship. They could earn up to $2,500 to pursue CTE. The application is open now through June 15. To request a presentation to students or educators, please email Julie Kasper at jkasper@acteonline.org.

Call for ACTE Board of Director Nominations

As a member of ACTE's board of directors, you have the opportunity to determine the direction of the Association and make an impact on CTE programs, professionals and students nationwide. ACTE encourages you to apply for one of several open board positions. Applications are due June 15.

Student Trophy Design Contest

Encourage your students to participate in ACTE’s annual student trophy design contest to redesign the 3D-printed trophies presented to the national ACTE award winners at the 2023 ACTE Awards Gala, happening Nov. 29 in Phoenix, Arizona. The winning team will receive a $1,000 scholarship, a free one-year lease of a 3D printer for the winner’s school, courtesy of Stratasys, and more! The deadline for design submissions is May 1.

Now Accepting Impact Awards Applications

The ACTE Impact Awards recognize groups and individuals from the education, business and industry communities who contribute to the improvement and promotion CTE. The deadline to apply for the two Impact awards, the Business-Education Partnership Award and the Champion for CTE Award, is June 30.