|
Spring Quarterly News Update | | |
Greetings Work-Based Learning Division Members! | |
Spring is in full swing–and so is the incredible energy within the work-based learning (WBL) community!
Earlier this month, many of us had the opportunity to gather at ACTE's WBL Conference in Bellevue, Washington. It was truly inspiring to witness the innovative ideas, best practices, and powerful partnerships being shared. As I mention in this fun video highlight created by one of our sponsors, GroupTrail, the energy and passion were palpable. The connections made and the momentum built at this event remind us why WBL is such a vital part of preparing students for the future.
At the conference, we also recognized two outstanding professionals as the winners of the 2025 YouScience WBL Professional of the Year Award–Michelle McClintic and Mindi Heitland. Their leadership and dedication are shining examples of the impact WBL educators are making across the country. You can view the press release and photos on the WBL Division webpage. Congratulations, Michelle and Mindi!
Mark your calendar for next year's event, ACTE's WBL Conference 2026, happening April 29-May 1 at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, Rhode Island.
As we wrap up the school year, be sure to join us for the WBL Webinar on May 1 at 3:00 p.m. ET, featuring a dynamic conversation around virtual internships from the perspective of industry partners engaged in the work. Register here.
We encourage you to continue engaging with the WBL Division and help us keep the momentum going all year long. If you’re interested in getting more involved, sharing your voice or contributing your expertise, we’d love to hear from you–take a minute to complete this quick form!
Thank you for all the important work you do! Best wishes as you finish this school year strong and continue building meaningful opportunities for your students.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or to share your success stories–we love hearing from you!
| |
Best regards,
Jan Jardine
VP, ACTE Work-Based Learning Division
| | Upcoming WBL Division Webinar | | May 1 @ 3:00 p.m ET - Virtual Internships: How To Ideas and Tips | | Join the WBL Community of Practice | | Submit a Nomination for the Business-Education Partnership Award | | |
Take time to recognize the amazing business partners that make WBL possible for you and your students. Submit your nomination by June 30. | | | |
Work-Based Learning in the News
Promise and Progress in High School Work-based Learning: A report by American Student Assistance and Bellwether examined WBL initiatives in 10 different states, studying how each state has approached strengthening their programs since a 2021 report that analyzed WBL policies nationwide.
The researchers found that the states studied have expanded WBL opportunities for underserved students, strengthened collaboration between state agencies, and evaluated programs to identify areas that need improvement. However, states have also struggled significantly with transportation in rural areas, hiring additional staff to support students and businesses, expanding business partnerships, and building high-quality data infrastructure.
The report also dives into the 10 state’s various initiatives. For example, Louisiana included WBL as part of its school accountability ratings, education, and workforce agencies in North Carolina are scaling apprenticeship opportunities, and the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future has ignited a series of WBL initiatives in the state.
| | |
Get Involved with the ACTE WBL DIVISION!
Consider joining one of the WBL Division committees–advocacy, awards, or professional development—and be part of the great work that is happening nationally.
| Email Jan Jardine, WBL Division VP, if you are interested or have questions: janj@provo.edu. | | |
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.
| | | |
Association for Career and Technical Education
1410 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
703-683-3111
| | | | |
