2026 K-ACTE Career Tech Summit

KSDE will share important information and updates regarding School Improvement, Career and Technical Education, Individual Plan of Study and Work-Based Learning. Cluster review recommendations will be presented.

Please note: No food or drink can be taken into this meeting space.

HirePaths Founder and Manhattan mom Kristin Brighton will overview the latest national and state data behind why Kansas and the entire United States need to invest heavily in career exploration, starting with students as young as elementary school. She'll also share her personal story as a parent and entrepreneur and overview HirePaths, which offers free, Kansas-based career resources you can easily integrate into your district's classrooms.

Looking to expand or launch health science pathways in your district? Kansas' Rural Health Transformation Plan is rolling out new funding to help rural high schools add courses and certifications, strengthen instructional capacity, and develop health care pre-apprenticeship models with local employers. Walk away with practical steps, funding details, and partnership strategies you can implement immediately.

In this session, we will discuss how we are using student's IPS clusters to provide course recommendations and opportunities to students. 

Join us for a practical overview of key Perkins Timelines and opportunities.  We'll cover essential steps for completing the FY26 final report, proven strategies for managing FY27 funds effectively, and a preview of reserve grants available in the year ahead. 

Please note: No food or drink can be taken into this meeting space.

Learn how to move beyond traditional course catalogs to create a more intentional, student-driven enrollment experience. This session will demonstrate how Iola High School successfully increased buy-in for CTE pathways by merging a new interest-based recommendation system with a redesigned community engagement model. Participants will walk away with actionable strategies for facilitating deeper career conversations between students and parents, ensuring that every course choice is a purposeful step toward a clear future goal.

NOTE: This session is a tour at an alternate location about 15 minutes from JCCC campus. The tour will begin at 2:20pm to allow participants time to drive to the location.

Explore the future of learning at the Olathe Innovation Campus. This guided tour offers a firsthand look at innovative, student-centered spaces where career pathways come to life. Participants will experience how real-world skills, industry partnerships, and cutting-edge facilities are shaping tomorrow’s workforce.

Address for Olathe Public School Innovation Campus:
450 N Rogers Road
Olathe, KS 66062

Please park in the large main lot off Spruce on the southeast side of the building and enter through door A (large apple on the door)