16–76: Multiple Generations in the Classroom

Community college classrooms are increasingly an eclectic collection of students from a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and experiences. CTE programs must provide pathways, curricula, and instruction techniques that simultaneously meet the needs of students at open-enrollment institutions, including high school dual-credit students and recent graduates, incumbent workers, and career-switchers.

Presented by: Marci Gale, Associate Professor of Mechatronics, Central Virginia Community College

PATHWAY ECOSYSTEMS / EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT / PATHWAY DESIGN / LEARNER SUPPORTS

Access to Achievement: Advancing Workforce Pathways for All

Access to Achievement, North Carolina Community College System’s workforce training initiative for students with IDD, is supporting students, faculty and institutions through credential attainment and holistic supports. This session will review the history that led to state funding and the partnerships that have encouraged early success of Access to Achievement.

Presented by: Lindsay R. Tipton, Associate Director of Pathways and Partnerships for Access to Achievement, North Carolina Community College System

LEARNER SUPPORTS

Adult Education and Workforce Relationship with Contextualized Learning

Contextualized learning helps adult education and workforce instructors make instruction relevant and practical. By linking academics to workplace tasks, it boosts motivation, comprehension, and confidence. Students gain industry-specific and foundational skills, improving persistence and readiness. This approach supports diverse learners, ensuring career advancement and long-term success in a changing workforce.

Presented by: Kate Dust, Director of Adult Education, LBWCC

PATHWAY ECOSYSTEMS

AdvanceNC: A Collaborative Ecosystem Supporting the Regional Advanced Manufacturing Workforce

The session will describe the efforts of AdvanceNC, a workforce ecosystem in North Carolina. Key takeaways include micro-pathway development details, approaches for seeking different types of funding (federal/state/private), best practices to sustain, grow, and evaluate the effectiveness of an ecosystem, along with lessons learned.

Presented by: Evelyn C. Brown, Director, Extension Research & Development, NC State University, Industry Expansion Solutions

PATHWAY ECOSYSTEMS / EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT / PATHWAY DESIGN / LEARNER SUPPORTS

Advancing Career Pathways with AR/VR: Funding, Alignment, Credentials, and Skills and Access

Discover how AR/VR technology enhances career pathways by aligning funding, credentials, and skills. This interactive session explores scalable models for work-based learning, pre-apprenticeships, and emerging careers, while highlighting strategies to support every learner through advising, recruitment, and retention.

Presented by: Jonathan M. Smith, Director of CTE & Workforce Development, zSpace; Jeff Arnott, President, Lot 12 Education

AI in Action: Transforming Teaching and Learning in Community Colleges

Discover how AI is reshaping education. This session will offer strategies for making AI an ally in education, ensuring community colleges remain relevant in preparing students for a technologically transformed workforce. Through demonstrations participants will explore how AI can empower learning and enhance rather than replace the educator’s role.

Presented by: John Sands, Professor, PI, NSF ATE Grant Project CSSIA, Moraine Valley Community College; Jiri Jirik, Director, Educational Pathways National Center EPNC (NSA)

PATHWAY ECOSYSTEMS

Anchoring the Future: Launching Environmental & Maritime Pathways for Military-Connected Students

Empower military-connected students with portable, high-value skills for in-demand green (environmental) and blue (maritime) careers. This professional development provides teachers with a replicable framework to build resilient pathways through community partnerships, addressing workforce shortages, and creating stable futures for highly mobile students.

Presented by: Venicia Ferrell, Research Assistant Professor, The Center for Educational Partnerships at Old Dominion University; Alexis Tharpe, Educational Specialist, The Center for Educational Partnerships (TCEP)

PATHWAY DESIGN / LEARNER SUPPORTS

Big Flex Zone: Flex Learning Strategies for Retention

Step into the Big Flex Zone and discover how flexible learning models can transform retention. This session highlights our Flex Learning distance education approach and the practical tools we use to keep classes adaptable, accessible, and student-centered. Gain strategies that can immediately boost persistence and help retain learners.

Presented by: Dr. Jennifer Hills, Professional Development Manager, Dallas College; Krystal Hills, Lead Instructional Specialist, Dallas College

PATHWAY DESIGN / LEARNER SUPPORTS

Building Apprenticeship Pathways for Learners and Employers

Attendees will explore CareerWise’s Blueprint for Apprenticeship Pathways, learning how to align education, workforce, and employer systems. The session highlights strategies for engaging employers, designing responsive pathways, and embedding learner supports. Participants will leave with actionable tools to create scalable, skills-first pathways that benefit learners and regional economies.

Presented by: Noel Parish, Sr Consultant, CareerWise; Anne Kelley-Kemple, Senior Director of Onboarding and Integration, CareerWise

LEARNER SUPPORTS

Building Career-Ready Students: Integrating Professional Skills into Every Classroom

Career success requires more than technical skills—professional skills are essential. This session highlights West-MEC’s Professional Skills Rubric and best practices for integrating soft skills into daily instruction. Participants will explore practical strategies, activities, and employer engagement methods to prepare students to be both career-trained and truly career-ready.

Presented by: Jessica Ruiz, Director of Career Services, West-MEC; Andrea Calhoun, Career Coach, West-MEC; Irma Espinoza, Central Campus Career Service Coach; Kendara Odle, SWC Career Services, West-MEC; Debbie Owen, NWC Career Services Coach, West-MEC; Loni Tamez, SWC Career Services Coach, West-MEC

PATHWAY ECOSYSTEMS

Building Rural Talent Pathways Through Trusted Partnerships in Colorado

Building sustainable programs in rural communities requires creative partnerships. Learn how the San Luis Valley coalition broke down silos to expand healthcare pathways, strengthen work-based learning, and provide wraparound supports, using a grow your own model to keep talent local and boost community economic resilience.

Presented by: Ashley A. Maestas, Program Director, The Attainment Network; Stefan Richarz, Senior Director of Data, Evaluation and Technology, The Attainment Network

PATHWAY DESIGN / LEARNER SUPPORTS

Building Sustainable IET Programs: Integrating Mentorship to Strengthen Adult Learner Success

Explore strategies for designing sustainable Integrated Education and Training (IET) programs that embed mentoring support. Learn how intentional mentorship strengthens learner persistence, career readiness, and long-term outcomes while fostering collaboration among instructors, employers, and adult learners. Gain practical knowledge of how embedding pathway mentors can enhance your IET models.

Presented by: Vertricia Harris, Director of Adult Basic Education, Wake Technical Community college

EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT / PATHWAY DESIGN / LEARNER SUPPORTS

Building Technician Pathways: Recruitment and Industry Partnerships in Action

Discover how Lake Area Technical College increased student interest in advanced manufacturing by 27% and tripled school partnerships through hands-on STEM outreach and employer collaboration. Learn replicable strategies—including Mini Maker Camps, dual credit promotion, and high-performing industry partnerships-that build sustainable pipelines and strengthen career pathways nationwide.

Presented by: Mark Iverson, Business Partner Specialist, Lake Area Technical College; Brooks Jacobsen, Electronics and Robotics Department Supervisor, Lake Area Technical College; Steven Trautner, Precision Machining Department Supervisor, Lake Area Technical College

EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT

Building the Future: The Early Childhood Academy Model for Workforce Readiness

The Early Childhood Academy is an intensive, hands-on training program designed to equip participants with essential skills, state-required competencies, and work-ready credentials. In just two weeks, students gain the knowledge, certifications, and practical experience needed to enter the early care and education workforce, supporting quality care in their communities.

Presented by: Katie S. Dowdle, Director of Early Childhood, McDowell Technical Community College

PATHWAY ECOSYSTEMS / EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT / PATHWAY DESIGN / LEARNER SUPPORTS

Camp Careers…from Summer Camp to a Career!

This isn’t your ordinary camp, this is a career exploration camp and it is packed with potential! High School students can enroll in one of our 7 summer camps at our college. Students earn credit, many camps offer industry recognized credentials, exposure to our industry partners.

Presented by: Frankye Boone, Career Coach, Southeastern Community College

PATHWAY ECOSYSTEMS / LEARNER SUPPORTS

Cybersecurity Career Toolkit: Equipping Counselors to Guide Students

This session introduces a Cybersecurity Career Awareness Toolkit that equips counselors, advisors, and educators with resources to guide students into cybersecurity careers. Participants will explore practical tools, frameworks, and strategies to expand advising capacity, strengthen career pathways, and connect learners to high-demand workforce opportunities.

Presented by: Kristine M. Christensen, Director, Faculty Development / Professor, Computer Information Systems, Moraine Valley Community College

PATHWAY DESIGN

Designing CTE for the Real World

Today’s learners need flexible, job-embedded pathways. This session offers strategies for designing stackable credentials, integrating credit for prior learning, and aligning CTE programs with real-world demands. Attendees will leave with practical tools and examples to inform program development.

Presented by: Kimberly Eckert, Head of Instructional Innovation and Apprenticeship Degrees, Craft Education @ Western Governors University

EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT

Employer-Led, Multi-Department Internship Development: Lessons From The City of Westfield, Indiana

The City of Westfield, Indiana’s Internship Program connects high school and college students with real-world, hands-on learning experiences across city departments. This case study of city as employer and city leadership delivering impactful, sustainable programs aligned with organizational goals can inspire session attendees to build similar programs in their communities.

Presented by: Kevin Fudge, Director of Advocacy, American Student Assistance; Emily Rogers, Generalist, Human Resources, City of Westfield, Indiana

EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT

Empower Yourself! Building Professional Credibility

Employability skills and industry recognized credentials are a growing pathway to gaining a career advantage. Professional credibility is the foundation of how others perceive your competency, reliability, and expertise, greatly impacting your ability to partner, collaborate and influence others in order to effectively problem-solve and achieve required goals and objectives.

Presented by: Sheila R. Simon, Director of Workforce Development, San Jacinto College, Continuing and Professional Development

LEARNER SUPPORTS

Empowering Access: Scaling Direct Admission through Integrated Learner Supports

Discover how Mid-State’s long-standing Direct Admission program boosts access and retention for rural K-12 students. Attendees will explore proven strategies, lessons learned, and interactive tools to replicate or adapt Direct Admission models. Walk away with actionable ideas to expand equity, strengthen learner supports, and scale college access nationally.

Presented by: Patrick Neuendfeldt, Director, K12 Relations, Mid-State Technical College; Kaitlyn Gessert, College Outreach Coordinator, Mid-State Technical College

PATHWAY DESIGN

Energy & Natural Resources Education Ecosystem

Drum roll, please! Join Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) to preview the platforms where all content standards, curriculum, tools, and resources supporting adoption the Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Career Cluster will live—serving as the go-to destination to explore, launch, and scale energy education and awareness across the U.S.

Presented by: Kristie Kelley, Workforce Development Director, Center for Energy Workforce Development

PATHWAY ECOSYSTEMS / EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT / LEARNER SUPPORTS

Engaging Students Beyond the Bell: Strengthening Career Awareness Through Industry Collaboration

Discover how Orange County Public Schools engages students beyond the school day through interactive industry visits, guest speakers, and academic collaboration. Learn how strategic business partnerships and innovative scheduling create meaningful career awareness experiences that connect learning to real-world opportunities.

Presented by: Dr. Rosa Grant, CTE Executive Leader, Orange County Public Schools Orlando Florida; Shannon Latimer, CTE Senior Administrator, Orange County Public Schools, Orlando, Florida; Ericka Ashe Lane, Resource Teacher, Orange County Public Schools, Orlando, Florida; Tadar Muhammad, Chief Operating Officer and First Vice President of CareerSource Central Florida (CSCF)

EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT

Ensuring Equitable Work-Based Learning: Framework Development, Implementation, and Outcomes

Work-based learning makes a difference! Research shows that students who participate secure more job offers and higher starting salaries than their peers. Discover how San Diego and Imperial community colleges are expanding equitable access and explore strategies to strengthen work-based learning experiences that benefit students, employers, and institutions.

Presented by: Danene Brown, Regional Chair, San Diego & Imperial Counties Regional Consortium; Kevin McMackine, Director of Strategic Partnerships, SDI Regional Consortium; Benjamin Gamboa, Associate Dean, Career Education, MiraCosta College; Amertah Perman, Dean, San Diego Community College District

EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT / LEARNER SUPPORTS

Entrepreneurial STEM

Students in the Entrepreneurial STEM class are able to learn about starting a small business. They brainstorm ideas to decide on a business proposal, create a business plan, acquire funds, and launch their own LLC. All profits go directly to the children with over $100,000.00 already paid out to students.

Presented by: Joseph O. Walsh, Career Tech Coordinator/STEAM Teacher, Manchester Community Schools/Caife Aspire; Rylee Feuerbacher, CEO, Bullseye Bakery LLC; Molly Caplon, CEO, Fizz and Beans LLC; Gavin Horky, CEO, Subzero Sweets LLC; Ella Naebeck, CEO, Bamboo Accessories and More LLC; Luke Walsh, CEO, Lukes Master Inc

PATHWAY DESIGN

Entrepreneurship As a Model for Access to Career Pathways in Rural Communities

Rural communities face significant challenges in growing and retaining their local workforce. Homegrown Pathways & JMorrison Education has created an innovative Entrepreneurship model that supports students to develop their own businesses in their hometown. Participants will learn about Spark Lab and how rural students are accessing career pathways through Entrepreneurship.

Presented by: Jessica L. Morrison, Owner/Contractor, JMorrison Education; Taylor Poynor, Chief Operating Officer, Homegrown Pathways

PATHWAY DESIGN / LEARNER SUPPORTS

Equitable On-Ramps: Communication Strategies for Dual Credit Success

Dual credit provides a valuable head start, but many students and families are unclear on how it connects to certificates, pathways, and degree programs. This session shares a scalable communication plan including pathway maps, checklists, and next-step messaging that helps students navigate their options while connecting them to the right supports.

Presented by: Nereida Macias, Dual Credit Coordinator, Portland Community College; Kate DePaolis, Dual Credit Coordinator, Portland Community College; Frank Smith, Dual Credit Coordinator, Portland Community College; Hunter Sunitsch, Instructional Administrative Assistant, Portland Community College

PATHWAY ECOSYSTEMS / EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT / LEARNER SUPPORTS

EXPOSE, PREPARE, CONNECT: Helping Students Bridge the Gap and Imagine the Possibilities

Mississippi’s Toyota Wellspring Career Coaches showcase tools and best practices to Expose, Prepare, and Connect students to careers through aptitude assessments, digital tools, and local workforce collaboration. Learn scalable ideas for hands-on experiences like tours, job shadowing, and internships to help students Imagine the Possibilities!

Presented by: Amy Alexander, Career Coach, Toyota Wellspring Education Fund/CREATE Foundation; Dee Coleman, Career Coach, Toyota Wellspring Education Fund/CREATE Foundation; Erica Golden, Career Coach, Toyota Wellspring Education Fund/CREATE Foundation

PATHWAY DESIGN

From BACE to Beyond: Designing Stackable Credentials for Biotech Career Growth

The Biotechnology Aptitude and Competency Exam (BACE) serves as a base, incorporating industry standards for career-ready talent. This session highlights the development of seven additional credentials designed to meet critical workforce needs and invites participants to explore how industry needs and emerging credentialing models intersect to shape career pathway ecosystems.

Presented by: Tamara Mandell, Director, UF Biotility; Linna Lim, Credentialing Specialist, UF Biotility

From Blueprint to Benchmarks: Launching Colorado’s Data-Driven Quality Career Pathways Framework (QCPF)

Colorado is launching a bold, multi-year initiative to standardize and elevate the quality of its career pathways through the Quality Career Pathways Framework (QCPF). This session will provide an in-depth look at how the Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC) is structuring a statewide framework designed to ensure that pathways consistently lead to quality jobs and drive equitable learner outcomes.

Presented by: Thomas Hartman, Senior Consultant Career Pathways, Colorado Workforce Development Council

PATHWAY ECOSYSTEMS

From Campus to Career: Aligning Education and Industry to Strengthen Civic Preparedness

This session will show how higher education and employers can collaborate to create pathways that prepare students for civic leadership and workforce success. Attendees will learn actionable strategies to build cross-sector partnerships, align programs with workforce needs, and apply these models to strengthen civic readiness in their own communities.

Presented by: Christine Foley, Program Officer, Civic Youth Programs, Institute for Citizens & Scholars

PATHWAY ECOSYSTEMS / EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT / PATHWAY DESIGN

From Pilots to Pathways: Building Scalable, Employer-Driven Systems

The Purdue IN-MaC Pathways System has delivered career-connected learning since 2019, now with 22 academies across four states. This session shares how its four-pillar framework, employer partnerships, and scalable design create sustainable pathways that align education, industry, and community—offering strategies to deliver measurable outcomes for students and employers.

Presented by: Alisa J. Deck, Program Manager, Purdue IN-MaC; Sascha Harrell, Director Education Workforce, Purdue IN-MaC

PATHWAY ECOSYSTEMS / LEARNER SUPPORTS

From Pilots to Pathways: Scaling Digital Advising Tool Adoption Across 300+ Schools

Explore how NYC Public Schools expanded digital advising tools from small pilots to a systemwide network within the nation’s largest school district. This session offers practical strategies for aligning data, coaching, and implementation. Participants will gain frameworks to enhance coherence, promote shared accountability, and advance equitable postsecondary readiness.

Presented by: Kristen Harris, Executive Director, College and Career Planning Team, NYC Public Schools, Office of Student Pathways; Robyn G. Phillips, Founder & Principal Consultant, Blaque Forest Creative Group LLC

PATHWAY ECOSYSTEMS

From Siloes to Synergy: Building a Career Pathways Ecosystem That Lasts

What does it take to shift a region from silos to a true career pathways ecosystem? This interactive session draws on rural North Carolina’s lessons trust-building, persistence, and mindset shifts. Attendees will leave with practical strategies and inspiration to strengthen collaboration and move their own regions forward.

Presented by: Brandi Bragg, Workforce Connector, NENC Career Pathways

PATHWAY DESIGN / LEARNER SUPPORTS

From Theory to Action: Implementing AI with Purpose and Workforce Alignment

This hands-on workshop guides leaders in moving from exploration to implementation of AI. Participants will create actionable plans, align programs with workforce needs, engage employers, and ensure ethical, effective integration of AI across campuses.

Presented by: Lane Freeman, State Director, NC Community College System; Dr. Trent Mohrbutter, Mohrbutter Consulting, LLC

PATHWAY ECOSYSTEMS

Grant Writing Strategies for National Science Foundation ATE Proposals

The NSF ATE program has grant funding available to support 2-year CTE technician programs, faculty professional development, career pathways, curriculum development, outreach activities and equipment. Attendees will learn about grant writing strategies, the new ATE solicitation, NSF-ATE resources, and mentoring opportunities to develop or improve technician programs.

Presented by: Greg Kepner, Principal Investigator, Hillsborough College; Mel Cossette, Principal Investigator, Edmonds College

Guidance, Grit, and Hurdles: Understanding Real-World Pathway Choices

This session shares findings from two qualitative studies examining how people navigate education and employment pathways over time. Attendees will learn what supports, guidance, and hurdles shape real-world decisions and career mobility. Participants will gain insights to strengthen programs and policies that help learners persist, advance, and achieve pathway success.

Presented by: Betsy Tessler, Senior Research Associate, MDRC

PATHWAY DESIGN

Hands-On Web Based Mechatronics Credit Courses for High Schools and Industry

Learn and see how Central Community College is piloting four hands-on, web-based Mechatronics courses in high schools, adult education settings, and industry which leads to a certificate, diploma, or degree. Participants will see how low-cost, high-quality trainers can be utilized to spur interest and grow enrollment in Mechatronics.

Presented by: Doug Pauley, Associate Dean Community & Workforce Education, Central Community College; Dan Davidchik, Mechatronics Instructor, Central Community College

PATHWAY DESIGN

HSEs, IETs, & Degrees: Elevating Skills, Confidence, & Opportunities for Adult Learners

Adult learners need more than high school equivalency (HSE) prep—they need to build foundational skills while training for higher wage careers. Integrated Education and Training (IET) models create clear pathways for earning stackable credentials. Our curriculum maps and IET examples can create pathways to prosperity for your students!

Presented by: Tracey Fleniken, Program Director, Adult Career Pathways, Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) – WorkReady U Adult Education; Sarina Lirette, Director of Adult Education, River Parishes Community College

PATHWAY DESIGN

IET: Workbook to Workforce

Discover how to design effective IET’s that you can implement TODAY! Attendees will learn how to create a Single Set of Learning Objectives and how to implement IET into their classrooms.

Presented by: Ronald Allan Cruz, Supervisor, Adult Community Education, Hillsborough County Public Schools; Vanessa Nicholson, Founder, S.O.L.V.E.D.

LEARNER SUPPORTS

Igniting Creative Resilience: Helping Students Discover Passion in the Skilled Trades

Students hear myths about skilled trades-that they’re low-paying, unsafe, or “less than college.” This session equips educators with talking points and curriculum-ready tools to counter misinformation. Using labor data, interactive discussion, and classroom activities, participants will gain strategies to reframe student mindsets and strengthen CTE career pathways.

Presented by: Jon Kapel, CEO, Steamworks, LLC, & Author of Skill Stigma

PATHWAY ECOSYSTEMS / EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT

Innovative Career Pathways in Texas Adult Education: From Intake to Employment

This session explores how Texas Adult Education supports the design and implementation of career pathways that align with both learner and employer needs. Attendees will learn how career exploration is embedded in comprehensive intake assessments, extended to instruction through content standards shaped by industry input.

Presented by: Glenda Rose, Director, Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning at Texas A&M University; Olga Escamilla, Training Capacity Coordinator, TCALL at Texas A&M University

PATHWAY ECOSYSTEMS / EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT / PATHWAY DESIGN / LEARNER SUPPORTS

Let’s Talk Careers: Working with Justice-Impacted Individuals

With over 600,000 individuals leaving our prisons and jails each year and millions of people under or unemployed due to a criminal background. This presentation will dive into best practices for helping people with a criminal past find, secure and keep not only a job, but a true career opportunity.

Presented by: Jeffrey Abramowitz, CEO, Petey Greene Program

PATHWAY ECOSYSTEMS

Leveraging Data: Uncovering Purpose and Job Satisfaction for Enhanced Labor Market Outcomes

This session equips community college leaders with tools to use data in building holistic student profiles-connecting life purpose with long term job satisfaction. By exploring innovative data collection methods, participants will learn how to align student aspirations with labor market trends to drive meaningful careers and strengthen regional impact.

Presented by: Solomon Tention, Assistant Professor of Advanced Studies, Leadership, & Policy, Morgan State University

PATHWAY ECOSYSTEMS / EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT / PATHWAY DESIGN / LEARNER SUPPORTS

Mentorship for All: Comprehensive, Data-Informed Pathways to Student Success and Career Readiness

This session explores how comprehensive, data-informed mentorship programs strengthen pathways to both student success and career readiness. Presenters will highlight models that improve belonging, persistence, and preparation for career transitions. Attendees will engage interactively and leave with actionable strategies to design inclusive, scalable mentoring ecosystems across education and career pathways.

Presented by: Blair Maloney, Associate Vice President, Mentor Collective; Melissa Peraino, Director, UPCEA; Mark Myers, Director, New Student and Family Transitions, Augusta University; Paul Stern, Associate Director of Enrollment Services, Winona State University

LEARNER SUPPORTS

Mind Matters: Integrating Mental Wellness into Career Pathways for Student Success

Explore how mental wellness directly impacts career readiness and persistence in the education-to-career pipeline. Attendees will engage in interactive strategies to build resilience, reduce burnout, and foster a growth mindset in students. Leave with actionable tools to integrate mental health supports into career development programs and classroom practice.

Presented by: Sophie M. Manigo Fuller, College and Career Navigator/Facilitating Career Development Instructor, Lifelong Learning

LEARNER SUPPORTS

No Cost & Maximum Impact for Schools: ASVAB Career Exploration Program

The ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP) supports informed academic and career decision making. This no cost program empowers participants to focus on the best career aligned with their unique abilities, interests, and goals, and is flexible enough to allow them to explore all pathways to gain career field entry.

Presented by: Dr. Temeka L. Franklin, ASVAB CEP Personnel Research Psychologist, ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP), Defense Testing and Assessment Center (DTAC), Office of People Analytics (OPA)

PATHWAY ECOSYSTEMS / EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT / PATHWAY DESIGN

Pathways That Pay: Rapid Credentials, Real Jobs, Recognized Credit

Discover how colleges working with underserved populations can launch workforce programs in 90 days using the rapid-credential model. Attendees will learn to identify quick-start credentials, braid funding, engage employers, and build stackable, credit-bearing and apprenticeship pathways, achieving early wins in enrollment, placement, and wage growth while scaling long-term workforce capacity.

Presented by: Kimberly Lea, Dean, Workforce Education and Development, Palm Beach State College; Mildred G. Coyne, EdD, CEO, Coyne Workforce Solutions

LEARNER SUPPORTS

Pathways to Opportunity: Place-Based Education and Training Programs for Justice-Involved Individuals

This presentation explores three innovative, place-based education and training models designed to support justice-involved learners and workers. We’ll share insights about bringing these services offsite from the college campus and directly into the facilities where people live and work.

Presented by: Allison M. Messina, AVP, Workforce Development & Continuing Education, Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC); Liesl Jones, Associate Provost, BMCC

LEARNER SUPPORTS

PoWeRful Alphabet Soup: Career Clusters, Career Conversations, Career Advising and more

So many acronyms to enjoy as we dive into Colorado’s latest legislative movements that impact PWR (Postsecondary Workforce Readiness). We’ll spoon in: Career Cluster-Based Career Conversations for Individual Career & Academic Planning (ICAP), CTE Championship and Ally-ship with Special Populations, Career Development & Counseling professionals for learners to thrive.

Presented by: Lauren K. Jones, CTE Program Director for Special Populations, Counseling & Career Development, CTE in Colorado/Community College System

PATHWAY DESIGN

Preparing Students for Career Success: Hear from the Experts

Discover how foundational employability skills are empowering educators to enhance their programs. This session, hosted by the National Work Readiness Council, features educators who have successfully integrated employability skills training into their courses. Moderated by Executive Director, Reecie Stagnolia; panelists will share valuable insights and strategies.

Presented by: Reecie Stagnolia, Executive Director, National Work Readiness Council (NWRC)

LEARNER SUPPORTS

Professional Development That Drives Change: Lessons from DeafTEC

Presenters will discuss the outcomes of professional development offered by DeafTEC, an NSF/ATE Resource Center, which have been offered to over 1,800 instructors. They will highlight strategies that improve learning for deaf students and demonstrate how these practices support ALL learners. Resources will be shared and participant discussion encouraged.

Presented by: Donna A. Lange, DeafTEC Director, and PI, Rochester Institute of Technology / National Technical Institute for the Deaf (RIT/NTID); Theresa Johnson, DeafTEC Associate Director, Rochester Institute of Technology / National Technical Institute for the Deaf (RIT/NTID)

LEARNER SUPPORTS

Recruitment That Works: A Theory-Informed Approach to Student Attraction

Despite strong investment, many STEM programs fall short of recruitment goals. This session introduces a theory-informed approach that explains why some tactics succeed, or fail, across contexts. Participants will gain strategies to maximize effective practices, design recruitment strategies grounded in systems thinking, and walk away with strategies for stronger outcomes.

Presented by: Lana J. Rucks, President and CEO, The Rucks Group; Brianna Crumly-Goodwin (Doctoral Candidate), Research and Evaluation Associate, The Rucks Group

PATHWAY ECOSYSTEMS / EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT / LEARNER SUPPORTS

The Resilient Future Framework: Equipping Learners and Ecosystems for a Resilient Future

This session presents The Resilient Future Framework, a model for building sustainable pathway ecosystems. Participants will explore strategies to align education, workforce, and community partnerships while embedding resilience into learner supports. Attendees will gain practical tools to strengthen collaboration, improve persistence, and prepare students and ecosystems for future-ready success.

Presented by: Dr. Tammie L. Moore, SoLACC-Franklin Campus & Morgan City Campus, Director, SoLAcc, St. Mary Parish School Board, St. Mary Chamber of Commerce

EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT / PATHWAY DESIGN

Responding to Our Aging Society: The Gerontology Program of Study

Academic gerontology programs support training needs for an aging society. Yet, a workforce pipeline linking gerontology degrees, careers in aging, and academic and career planning mechanisms didn’t exist. This interactive session aligns the gerontology program of study with careers, credentials, and the National Career Clusters framework for states to implement.

Presented by: Jennifer L. Ellis-Gajda, PhD, HS-BCP, CPG, Gerontology, Aging Services Program Director & Instructor, Northwood Technical College

LEARNER SUPPORTS

Scaling Student Support Programs

We know student support programs like tutoring and supplemental instruction work but can be expensive to scale and not all students have the time to be in person for help. We will present data from two pilot projects to scale student support programs.

Presented by: Liesl Jones, Interim Provost, Borough of Manhattan Community College; Janice Zummo, Associate Dean, Borough of Manhattan Community College

PATHWAY ECOSYSTEMS

Strengthening Manufacturing Talent Pipelines Through National Collaboration

SME’s Manufacturing Imperative Workforce Pipeline Challenge (MI-WPC) unites 25 colleges across 17 states with industry and workforce partners to address manufacturing’s talent shortage. By aligning resources, messaging, and solutions, this collaboration builds a skilled workforce pipeline that strengthens regional economies, supports industry needs, and advances national security.

Presented by: Allyssa Johnson, Program Manager, SME

LEARNER SUPPORTS

When Students Define Success: What Really Matters

What happens when students define success for themselves? Kennedy-King College student researchers share their participatory action research exploring how learners experience and define success, revealing authentic insights and equity-driven measures that inform smarter program design and resource allocation.

Presented by: Chris Shannon, Senior Policy Associate, Corporation for a Skilled Workforce; Diamond Dickerson, Senior Policy Associate, Corporation for a Skilled Workforce

PATHWAY ECOSYSTEMS / EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT / LEARNER SUPPORTS

Workforce-Aligned, Student-Centered Healthcare Pathways: Lessons from the Colorado Health Careers Academy

Discover how Arapahoe Community College’s Colorado Health Careers Academy builds strong healthcare pathways through strategic partnerships, employer engagement, and learner supports. This interactive session offers practical tools, replicable strategies, and real-world examples to help attendees strengthen their own pathway ecosystems and improve outcomes for diverse learners in any community.

Presented by: Lynn Nafeesa, Program Manager, Colorado Careers Collaborative, Arapahoe Community College, Workforce and Community Programs; Amber Tolliver, Director of Continuing & Community Education, Arapahoe Community College, Workforce and Community Programs