ACTE Announces Michigan Counselor, as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Karmin Olds, Counselor at Northwest Education Services Career Tech, in Traverse City, MI as the 2026 ACTE Region I Counseling and Career Development Professional. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators at the postsecondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities.
Karmin Olds, a dedicated educator and school counselor, is making a lasting impact on students and the broader community through her work at Northwest Education Services Career Tech in Traverse City. A longtime resident of Northwest Michigan, Olds has spent her career supporting students on their paths to career and postsecondary success.
A 1992 graduate of Traverse City Senior High School, Olds earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Central Michigan University in 1997, with teaching certifications in Spanish and Biology. While teaching at Kalkaska High School, she pursued her passion for student support by earning a Master of Arts in School Counseling from Western Michigan University in 2003.
Since 2019, Olds has served as a school counselor at Career Tech, where she is known for her commitment to addressing the holistic needs of students. She established the school’s student pantry, which provides food, hygiene products, clothing, and professional attire to ensure students are prepared for both school and career opportunities.
As the advisor for Career Tech’s National Technical Honor Society (NTHS), Olds fosters student growth through leadership luncheons, service learning, and community engagement projects like Campus Clean Up. Under her guidance, NTHS students partner with local organizations to strengthen ties between school and community while building civic responsibility and leadership skills.
Olds is also the former leader of North Ed’s Regional Counselors Group, a professional learning network that brings together secondary counselors across a five-county region to collaborate and share best practices.
With a career grounded in service, leadership, and student empowerment, Karmin Olds continues to be a driving force in advancing career and technical education and student well-being in Northern Michigan.
Olds is one of five finalists for the 2026 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on December 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox, The Army, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.
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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.
