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Welcome to the K-ACTE Career Tech Summit 2026: Shaping the Next Generation of Workers!
Audience: Clusters/Pathways clear filter
Monday, July 20
 

10:45am CDT

CTE Coordinator Information and Updates
Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
NMOCA 217 Hudson Auditorium
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.
Speakers
avatar for Natalie Clark

Natalie Clark

Assistant Director, Kansas State Department of Education
Assistant Director, Career, Standards and Assessment Services, Kansas State Department of Education
Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
NMOCA 217 Hudson Auditorium Nerman Museum of Contemporary Arts at Johnson County Community College St, Overland Park, KS 66210
  Concurrent Session

10:45am CDT

Why Is Career Exploration so Critical Today?
Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
RC 181
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
avatar for Kristin Brighton

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

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
avatar for Jaron Caffrey

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

1:00pm CDT

Individual Plans of Study, Course Selection, and Future Goals and Plans
Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
RC 155
In this session, we will discuss how we are using student's IPS clusters to provide course recommendations and opportunities to students. 
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Lindsay King

Dr. Lindsay King

Director of College and Career Readiness, Maize USD #266
Dr. King serves as the Director of College and Career Readiness at Maize USD #266
Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
RC 155 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
  Concurrent Session

1:00pm CDT

Perkins FY26-27: Reporting, Spending, and Reserve Grant Opportunities
Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
NMOCA 217 Hudson Auditorium
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.
Speakers
avatar for Denise Lauber

Denise Lauber

Perkins Coordinator, KSDE
Denise Lauber is the Perkins Coordinator for the Kansas Department of Education supporting the administration of Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical (CTE) grants to Kansas School Districts.
Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
NMOCA 217 Hudson Auditorium Nerman Museum of Contemporary Arts at Johnson County Community College St, Overland Park, KS 66210
  Concurrent Session

2:00pm CDT

A Clear Path to Success: Using the IPS Model for Student-Driven Enrollment
Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
RC 181
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.
Speakers
avatar for Dana Daugharrthy

Dana Daugharrthy

CTE Coordinator / Academic Counselor, Iola High School
With a career rooted in the lab and the classroom, Dana is passionate about helping students navigate their future. He currently serves as the CTE Coordinator and Academic Counselor at Iola High School. My background includes teaching everything from robotics to physics, and I still... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
RC 181 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
  Concurrent Session

2:00pm CDT

Leveling Up Your Labs with iCEV
Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
RC 270
Take your hands‑on learning to the next level with iCEV! This session highlights quick, practical ways to enhance your classroom labs using iCEV’s built‑in activities, projects, and management tools. Learn how to customize labs, integrate industry‑aligned skills, and streamline prep time while boosting student engagement. Perfect for educators looking to modernize and simplify their lab-based instruction.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Calee McElwain

Dr. Calee McElwain

Territory Manager, iCEV
Dr. Calee McElwain is the iCEV Territory Manager for Kansas and Missouri.  She spent 25+ years in public education in a variety of roles including classroom teacher, instructional coach, and curriculum director.  She has experience in both rural and suburban school districts.  Dr... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
RC 270 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
  Concurrent Session

2:00pm CDT

Olathe Innovations Campus
Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
Olathe Innovation Campus
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)
Speakers
avatar for Adam Wessel

Adam Wessel

Director of Career Ready Programs, Blue Valley
Blue Valley Director of Career Ready Programs
Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
Olathe Innovation Campus 450 N Rogers Road, Olathe, KS 66062
  Concurrent Session
 
Tuesday, July 21
 

8:45am CDT

Changes to Digital Technology Career Cluster
Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:45am - 9:35am CDT
RC 221
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.
Speakers
avatar for Stephen King

Stephen King

Education Program Consultant, KSDE

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:45am - 9:35am CDT
RC 221 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
  Concurrent Session

8:45am CDT

Reality U: Innovative, Hands-On Financial Learning
Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:45am - 9:35am CDT
RC 175
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.


Speakers
avatar for Patrick Sehl

Patrick Sehl

Sr. Director of Reality U, Reality U - The Pando Initiative
Patrick Sehl is the Sr. Director of Reality U at The Pando Initiative. Patrick connects to students across the state of Kansas in middle and high schools by championing the idea that their effort in school really does matter. By engaging students in an interactive way during Reality... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:45am - 9:35am CDT
RC 175 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
  Concurrent Session

9:45am CDT

CTE & Career Exploration for Middle Grades
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT
NMOCA 217 Hudson Auditorium
Please note: No food or drink can be taken into this meeting space.

Help students discover their strengths and future possibilities through meaningful CTE and career exploration! This session gives Kansas educators practical, engaging strategies for introducing 6th–8th graders to Kansas Career Clusters, real‑world connections, and early pathway awareness that supports the Individual Plan of Study (IPS). Engage with colleagues to share strategies, insights, and ideas that elevate middle school CTE and career exploration.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Calee McElwain

Dr. Calee McElwain

Territory Manager, iCEV
Dr. Calee McElwain is the iCEV Territory Manager for Kansas and Missouri.  She spent 25+ years in public education in a variety of roles including classroom teacher, instructional coach, and curriculum director.  She has experience in both rural and suburban school districts.  Dr... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT
NMOCA 217 Hudson Auditorium Nerman Museum of Contemporary Arts at Johnson County Community College St, Overland Park, KS 66210
  Concurrent Session

9:45am CDT

What's new in FACS?
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT
RC 245
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. 
Speakers
avatar for Heather Campbell

Heather Campbell

Family and Consumer Science Program Consultant, KSDE
Family and Consumer Science Program Consultant at Kansas State Education Department. I was a Facs instructor for 20 years prior to my role at KSDE. My experience includes a small rural school, a large city school and suburban districts. I live in Topeka with my husband and my three... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT
RC 245 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
  Concurrent Session

11:00am CDT

STEM & Health Science Pathway Review and Alignment
Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
RC 255
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.
Speakers
avatar for Brian Swaim

Brian Swaim

Education Program Consultant, Kansas State Department of Education
My name is Brian Swaim, and I am an Education Program Consultant for the Kansas State Dept of Education. I oversee the STEM related pathways- Health Science, Bioscience, Engineering & Applied Mathematics, Automation Engineering, Aviation Maintenance & Repair, and Aviation Production... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
RC 255 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
  Concurrent Session

1:30pm CDT

Agricultural Education Program Updates
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
RC 245
2026-2027 KSDE Ag Ed Program Updates -- overview of KSDE updates for the 26-27 school year and sharing resources for Ag Educators!
Speakers
avatar for Anthony Meals

Anthony Meals

Agricultural Education Program Consultant and Kansas FFA Advisor, KSDE
KSDE Agricultural Education Program Consultant and Kansas FFA Advisor
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
RC 245 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
  Concurrent Session

1:30pm CDT

Cluster & Pathway Specific Updates: Energy; Manufacturing; Construction & Design; Vehicle Maintenance & Repair; Corrections, Security, Law & Law Enforcement Services; and Emergency & Fire Management Services
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
RC 181
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.
Speakers
avatar for Kevin Bronson

Kevin Bronson

Education Program Consultant and Individual Plan of Study Coordinator, Kansas State Department of Education
Former Kensington Kansas Goldbug and Fort Hays State University Graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Technology Studies and a Master Degree in Education Administration. An educator for 25 years in construction & design and SkillsUSA advisor. Currently serving as an education program... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
RC 181 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
  Concurrent Session

2:30pm CDT

KSDE Business Cluster Update
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
RC 181
Updates regarding the Business Cluster
Speakers
avatar for ChapLynn Askins

ChapLynn Askins

Education Program Consultant, KSDE
Education Program Consultant overseeing the Business and Government & Public Administration Pathways
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
RC 181 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
  Concurrent Session

2:30pm CDT

Modernizing CTE in Kansas: A Panel Showcase of 2025-26 Reserve Grant Innovations.
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
NMOCA 217 Hudson Auditorium
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.
Speakers
avatar for Denise Lauber

Denise Lauber

Perkins Coordinator, KSDE
Denise Lauber is the Perkins Coordinator for the Kansas Department of Education supporting the administration of Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical (CTE) grants to Kansas School Districts.
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
NMOCA 217 Hudson Auditorium Nerman Museum of Contemporary Arts at Johnson County Community College St, Overland Park, KS 66210
  Concurrent Session
 

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