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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8:00am CDT

Monday July 20, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am CDT

RC 101 - Capital Federal Conference Center

Celebrate excellence in Career and Technical Education at the K-ACTE Awards Ceremony. This session honors outstanding educators, programs, and industry partners who have made significant contributions to the field. Join us to recognize the achievements of your peers, applaud their dedication, and be inspired by their exemplary work.

Monday July 20, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am CDT
RC 101 - Capital Federal Conference Center

Plenary Session

Affiliate KTIEA, KAAE
Session Type Assessment/Certification
Subject Agriculture, Skilled Trades, Engineering & Technology

10:45am CDT

Artificial Intelligence as a Tool for Advancing CAD Education

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

RC 155

This presentation examines how artificial intelligence enhances computer-aided drafting instruction. It highlights AI tools that support design exploration, creativity, and real-time feedback, and emphasizes integrating AI into CAD curricula to prepare students for complex design challenges. Participants will be encouraged to share experiences and ideas related to AI use in drafting or CTE education.

Speakers

Kim Stewart

Professor and Chair of the Department of Applied Technology, Fort Hays State University

Kim M. Stewart is Professor and Chair of the Department of Applied Technology at Fort Hays State University (FHSU) in Hays, Kansas. A faculty member since 1997, he has led the department since 2012 and was instrumental in the design and construction of the Center for Applied Technology, a 58,000-square-foot... Read More →

Heather Cleveland

Assistant Professor Department of Applied Technology, Fort Hays State University

Heather Cleveland is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Technology at Fort Hays State University in the Peter Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics. She holds a Master of Science in Education and a Bachelor of Science in Technology Studies from FHSU... Read More →

Eric Deneault

Professor Department of Applied Technology, Fort Hays State University

Eric L. Deneault is a Professor in the Department of Applied Technology at Fort Hays State University, where he teaches Engineering Design Technology, Construction Management, and Technology and Engineering Education. He holds a terminal degree, a Master’s in Instructional Technology... Read More →

Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
RC 155 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KTIEA
Session Type Engaging Instructional Methods
Subject Engineering & Technology, Skilled Trades

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

1:00pm CDT

From Rubric to Results: Workshopping Strong SAE Grant Applications

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

RC 238

Take the guesswork out of SAE grant applications. In this hands-on session, Ag educators will break down the grant rubric, analyze sample applications, and identify what makes a proposal stand out. Participants will work collaboratively to strengthen ideas, align to scoring criteria, and draft key components of their own application. Leave with practical tools, clearer direction, and a stronger plan for submitting a competitive SAE grant.

Speakers

Mary Lonker

ELA Program Manager, Kansas State Department of Education

Mary Lonker has spent 30 years in English Language Arts education, teaching both middle and high school students. She taught 8th grade English as well as over 20 years of high school English, including a decade in AP Language and Composition, and is certified to teach AP Seminar... Read More →

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
RC 238 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KAAE, KTIEA
Session Type Engaging Instructional Methods
Subject Agriculture, Skilled Trades

2:00pm CDT

Beyond the Credential: How the "Whole-Scholar" Model Achieves a 75% Persistence Rate

Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

RC 155

Most programs stop at graduation. We don't. Learn how Great Jobs KC uses a 5-pillar ecosystem (Intake to 1-Year Post-Employment Coaching) to achieve a 75% persistence rate and an average salary increase of 176%.

Using recent Mathematica Evaluation data to prove that tuition-free training is only half the battle. That providing on-going Scholar support through one-to-one coaching and robust community services leads to better outcomes and stronger employees.

Takeaways:
The "Scholar Advocate" framework: Moving beyond academic advising to life-barrier removal (transportation, tech, child care).

Using data to track success, not just completion.
Training in a holistic manner with mandatory life skill workshops leads to more well-rounded employee for area employers.
Strategies for building an "Employer Network Team" that guarantees a pipeline, not just a job board.

Speakers

Macenzie Tucker

Senior Director of Workforce Development and Scholar Success , Great Jobs KC

As the Senior Director of Workforce Development and Scholar Success, Macenzie Tucker is responsible for overseeing core programming for the adult workforce development program, Great Jobs KC tuition-free job training. Macenzie Tucker holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from... Read More →

Alex Shaw

Great Jobs KC

Alex is an accomplished professional with a diverse skill set and a huge passion for workforce development. Alex has previously worked in education, behavioral health, county government, IT, and even construction! With experience in different organizations and settings, she has... Read More →

Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
RC 155 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KHSIA, KLCTE, KTIEA
Session Type Access and Supports, Engaging Instructional Methods, Student Career Development
Subject Health Sciences, Skilled Trades

2:00pm CDT

The Value of ACT WorkKeys and the NCRC

Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

RC 221

This session will include an in-depth look at the ACT WorkKeys Assessments, ACT WorkKeys Curriculum, and the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) that an individual can earn by successfully completing three of the WorkKeys Assessments. The value of the NCRC will be discussed and demonstrate many of the benefits that are available not only to those who earn an NCRC but also to those who administer the WorkKeys Assessments and work with individuals in helping them select a career path.

Speakers

Michael Monson

Account Executive, ACT Education Corp.

After graduating in Chemical Engineering, Michael spent 35 years in the semiconductor industry, first as a Photolithography Engineer then transitioning into Sales & Marketing and then to a Business Management role. In 2012, Michael transitioned to ACT, Inc. to help individuals achieve... Read More →

Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
RC 221 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KLCTE, KTIEA
Session Type Assessment/Certification
Subject Skilled Trades, All CTE

2:00pm CDT

Welding Test for Excel in CTE

Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:50pm CDT

WCMT 129

NOTE: Please meet at the doors at the bottom of the stairs in the Regnier Center lobby to meet Amy Sellers who will walk participants over to the WCMT building.

This session is to help instructor prepared students for completing the weld test connected to Excel in CTE. Attendees will receive some classroom instructions, then conduct the weld test using either GMAW or SMAW. This session is not designed to teach you how to weld but how to help instruct students so that they are prepared for taking the test. Attendees should leave with a good understanding on how to prep material prior to weld, understand hold points, measure and visually inspect welds, prepare material for bend test, conduct bend test, and how to inspect the bend coupons.

Speakers

Jeremiah Harmon

Welding Instructor, HCTEA

Thirty years experience in welding and metal working. Have been in education for 17 and a Certified Welding Inspector and Educator since 2014.

Grant Von Lunen

Associate Professor, Metal Fabrication/Welding, Johnson County Community College

AWS CWI and CWE

Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
WCMT 129 12345 College Boulevard, Overland Park, KS, USA

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KTIEA, KAAE
Session Type Assessment/Certification
Subject Agriculture, Skilled Trades, Engineering & Technology

4:30pm CDT

KTIEA Board of Directors meeting

Monday July 20, 2026 4:30pm - 5:15pm CDT

RC 175

Meeting for Board of Directors members only. This meeting is to review Constitution and Bylaws, recommendations for amendments, vote to move recommendations forward for members approval.

Speakers

Jeremiah Harmon

Welding Instructor, HCTEA

Thirty years experience in welding and metal working. Have been in education for 17 and a Certified Welding Inspector and Educator since 2014.

Monday July 20, 2026 4:30pm - 5:15pm CDT
RC 175 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KTIEA
Session Type Business Meeting
Subject Engineering & Technology, Media Technology, Skilled Trades

8:00am CDT

10:45am CDT

1:00pm CDT

1:00pm CDT

2:00pm CDT

2:00pm CDT

2:00pm CDT

4:30pm CDT

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