2026 K-ACTE Career Tech Summit: Full Schedule

Welcome to the K-ACTE Career Tech Summit 2026: Shaping the Next Generation of Workers!

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

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10:45am CDT

Why Is Career Exploration so Critical Today?

Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT

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.

Speakers

Kristin Brighton

Founder, HirePaths

Kristin Brighton is one of the principals and founders of New Boston Creative Group LLC, an integrated marketing communications firm based in Manhattan.

Ms. Brighton is the founder of HirePaths, a marketing campaign to introduce Kansas kids to high-demand careers.

In addition to her professional work, Ms. Brighton is an elected member of the USD 383 Manhattan-Ogden School Board, and she was the 2016 chair of the board for the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce... Read More →

Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
RC 181 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KLCTE, KAAE, KATFACS, KBOA, KHSIA, KTIEA
Session Type Clusters/Pathways, Engaging Instructional Methods, Student Career Development, Work-Based Learning
Subject All CTE

10:45am CDT

Work-based Learning Fundamentals

Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT

RC 238

Whether you are navigating Work-based Learning experiences for students in your CTE pathways for the first time or if you are a seasoned pro; this session will support looking at sharing best practices, resources, and partnerships as we create these meaningful learning opportunities for our students.

Speakers

Anthony Meals

Agricultural Education Program Consultant and Kansas FFA Advisor, KSDE

KSDE Agricultural Education Program Consultant and Kansas FFA Advisor

Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
RC 238 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KLCTE, KAAE, KATFACS, KBOA, KHSIA, KTIEA
Session Type Work-Based Learning
Subject All CTE

1:00pm CDT

Building Rural Health Science Pathways: New Funding, Certifications & Pre-Apprenticeships for Kansas Schools

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

RC 255

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.

Speakers

Jaron Caffrey

Director of Workforce and Health Care Policy, Kansas Hospital Association

Jaron serves as the Director of Workforce and Health Care Policy for the Kansas Hospital Association. In this role, he coordinates the association’s federal health policy and advocacy strategy and drives efforts to align national policy with the needs of Kansas hospitals and patients... Read More →

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
RC 255 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KHSIA, KLCTE
Session Type Assessment/Certification, Business & Community Partnerships, Clusters/Pathways, Student Career Development, Work-Based Learning
Subject Health Sciences

1:00pm CDT

Constructing Excellence: How to Build a Program That Produces Industry-Ready Professionals

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

RC 245

What does it take to turn learners into job-ready professionals in today’s construction industry? This session breaks down the blueprint for success—covering curriculum design, experiential learning, employer collaboration, and program scalability—while highlighting how Kansas Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways can be leveraged to strengthen program alignment and student outcomes. Walk away with actionable strategies to build or enhance a program that delivers skilled, confident, and workforce-ready graduates.

Speakers

Nathan Howard

Associate Professor, Fort Hays State University

Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Technology at Fort Hays State University. Lead professor in construction management and lead sponsor of Associated General Contractors student organization.

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
RC 245 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KTIEA
Session Type Work-Based Learning, Engaging Instructional Methods
Subject Skilled Trades, Engineering & Technology

2026 K-ACTE Career Tech Summit

10:45am CDT

Kristin Brighton

10:45am CDT

Anthony Meals

1:00pm CDT

Jaron Caffrey

1:00pm CDT

Nathan Howard

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