The narrative around career and technical education is changing, and the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Fellowship alumni are leading that transformation. They come from Louisiana’s rural communities and Oregon’s innovation hubs, California’s diverse campuses and North Carolina’s manufacturing centers. These education leaders are challenging outdated perceptions and building dynamic pathways that connect students to meaningful careers.
This year’s featured fellows represent a new generation of CTE advocates who understand that their work extends far beyond classroom instruction. They’re strategic thinkers who leverage data to showcase student success. Relationship builders who forge authentic industry partnerships. And visionary leaders who recognize that CTE isn’t just about filling jobs. It’s about restoring dignity, opening doors and empowering people to write new stories.
Matthew Nappier put it simply: “CTE is not a fallback; it’s a launchpad.” This sentiment echoes through every conversation with these fellows.
They have discovered that leadership is less about having all the answers and more about being open to learning more. Their students have been their greatest teachers. And as you’ll hear from them in their own words, these fellows aren’t just responding to change. They’re shaping it. One student, one program, one partnership at a time.
Weathering the storm
The fellows shared thoughtful strategies for maintaining program alignment amid major change.
- “Maintain active and intentional advisory councils. These aren’t just once-a-year meetings to rubber-stamp curriculum. We build real partnerships with local employers, regional workforce boards and sector specialists to ensure that our programs stay responsive and future ready.
“When our regional manufacturing partners expressed a need for short-term, entry-level training, our workforce, adult education, and CTE teams came together to respond with agility and purpose.” -Matthew Nappier
- “We have made infrastructure and facility investments, updated our curriculum, provided real-world experiences and industry partnerships, and offered faculty support and professional development. By doing these things, we demonstrate a proactive approach to keeping our programs relevant and aligned with industry standards.” -Tami Hill
- “Engage with industry partners through conferences, roundtables and direct collaboration. These interactions provide valuable insights into emerging trends, evolving workforce needs, and future directions, allowing us to adapt our programs proactively and ensure they remain relevant and impactful.” -Ferdinand “Ferdie” Santos
- “Leverage employer input to shape faculty professional development priorities. This can help ensure instructors stay current with the tools and practices being used in the field.
“Employers are looking for more than just technical know-how; they want graduates who bring strong transferable skills to the table. By incorporating industry input into our program improvement cycle as a regular, structured part of our process, not just an annual check-in, we remain agile and responsive to the rapid pace of change in today’s workforce.” -Marc Davis
- “We hold formal meetings with industry partners twice a year to share program updates and gather group feedback, but just as important are the informal, ongoing conversations we have with individual employers throughout the year. These relationships help us stay attuned to shifts in technology, emerging skills and challenges.” -Juan Fernando Pineda
