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.
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.
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 →
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 →
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 23411190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
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.
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 14511190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
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.
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 18311190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
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.
Senior Director of Workforce Development and Scholar Success , Great Jobs KC
As the Chief Operating Officer, Jimmy Swift is responsible for overseeing our core programs, our adult workforce development program, Great Jobs KC tuition-free job training, and our KC Scholars Scholarship Program, which includes 11th Grade Traditional Scholarships and Adult Learner... Read More →
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.
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 22111190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
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.
