2026 K-ACTE Career Tech Summit

In this session the newly approved changes to the Digital Technology (formerly known as Information Technology) career cluster will be discussed. A short question and answer session will be provided.

Reality U is a 75-minute, hands-on simulation where students experience the financial realities of adulthood. Based on their current GPA, they step into the role of a 26-year-old and manage income and debt while navigating real-world financial decisions.


Through interactive booths staffed by local business and community volunteers, students make choices about housing, transportation, insurance, food, and more while balancing a checkbook that cannot dip below zero.


More than an event, Reality U is a powerful instructional tool. Students quickly see how academic performance and decision-making directly impact their financial stability and career pathways.


In this session, each participant will learn how Reality U boosts engagement, strengthens community partnerships, and reinforces career and life readiness skills while providing practical implementation strategies. From small schools to large, Reality U creates an unforgettable, hands-on financial experience for all students.

Please join me to find out more about Pathway Changes for 26/27 School year, upcoming professional development opportunities, and upcoming cluster and pathway reviews. 

This session provides an overview of recent updates to STEM and Health Science pathways, including alignment to industry needs and emerging occupations. Participants will learn about key revisions, rationale, and general pathway information.

2026-2027 KSDE Ag Ed Program Updates -- overview of KSDE updates for the 26-27 school year and sharing resources for Ag Educators!

Get the latest updates that power, build, protect, and serve our communities. This session delivers focused updates across key career clusters—Energy; Manufacturing; Construction & Design; Vehicle Maintenance & Repair; Corrections, Security, Law & Law Enforcement Services; and Emergency & Fire Management Services.

Updates regarding the Business Cluster

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

Discover how Kansas districts are transforming CTE through the Modernization Reserve Grant! From state‑of‑the‑art health science labs to portable welding stations and drone‑piloting programs, this panel showcases real projects that are closing equity gaps, expanding career exploration in middle school, and strengthening high‑demand pathways statewide. Get a preview of what’s possible—and what may be coming for 26–27.