ACTE Announces the 2024 ACTE National Leadership Fellows

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2024
Contact: Hannah Richards, hrichards@acteonline.org

ACTE Announces the 2024 ACTE National Leadership Fellows

Alexandria, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced its 2024 class of Fellows for ACTE National Leadership Fellowship Program. Twenty-one fellows were selected for the 2024 cohort. The program identifies and trains leaders. Participants complete the program with a strong desire and motivation to support an educated, prepared, adaptable and competitive workforce.

The 2024 cohort includes the following fellows. Fellows’ biographies can be accessed on the ACTE National Leadership Fellowship Program webpage.

Experienced Fellows:

  • Toinette Outland – Newport News Public Schools
  • Joseph Furse – Utah State University
  • Steven Williams – Utah State University
  • Denise Snow – Clark County School District (CCSD)
  • Michelle Dennis – Colorado Community College System
  • Quentin Kelly – Louisiana Community and Technical College System
  • Regina Spruill – Prince George’s County Public Schools
  • Carrington Faulk – Newport News Public Schools
  • Jacob Lohse – Special School District of St. Louis County
  • Holly Camerano – DuPage Area Occupational Education System, EFE 090
  • Jill Stewart-Kellar – Northeast Metro 916 Intermediate Schools
  • Molly Bonnett – Forest Lake Area Schools
  • Carla Burris – Friendswood ISD
  • Larina Warnock – Medford School District
  • Jennifer Kline – GateWay Community College
  • Brandi Bjorklund – STMA High School

New Professional Fellows:

  • Amelia Miller – Utah State University
  • Angela Landrum-Ellis – Jenks Public Schools
  • Josephine Wolfe – Anne Arundel County Public Schools
  • Caitlin Morrison – CTE Business Education Teacher
  • Carolyn Brown-McIntosh – Medical Assistant Instructor

Fellows commit a calendar year to the National Leadership Fellowship Program, Jan. 1–Dec. 31. The 2024 class of fellows represents each of ACTE’s five regions and the majority of divisions. In addition to more experienced educators, this year’s fellowship class again includes a cohort of new professionals.

Dr. Doug Major and Dr. Dawn Lindsley were selected by the ACTE Executive Committee to serve as the Fellowship Coordinators. Dr. Doug Major is working with the Experienced Fellows, and Dr. Dawn Lindsley is working with the New Professional Fellows.

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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.

 

 

ACTE Announces the 2024 NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leadership Fellows

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2024
Contact: Hannah Richards, hrichards@acteonline.org

ACTE Announces the 2024 NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leadership Fellows

Alexandria, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced its 2024 class of Fellows for NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leadership Fellowship Program. Twenty fellows were selected for the 2024 cohort. The NextLevel Fellowship provides professional and career growth opportunities to the next generation of leaders in postsecondary CTE programs through a nationally-recognized program that is engaging, individualized, and memorable.

The 2024 cohort includes the following fellows. Fellows’ biographies can be accessed on the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leadership Fellowship Program webpage.

  • Lily Apedaile – University of Montana/Missoula College
  • Lacee Boschetto – Utah State University
  • Kristi Dixon – Bridge Valley Community & Technical College
  • Lizeth Fils-Aime – West-MEC
  • Tola Francis-Sanusi – Marion Technical College
  • Kyle Fulton – Central Ohio Technical College
  • Brandon Hensley – McDowell Technical Community College
  • John Holley – Calhoun Community College
  • Katherine Kandalec Holm – Athens State University
  • Tara Lindahl – Washburn University Institute of Technology
  • Alexia Rolle – Miami Dade College
  • Karen Lyn Saysay – Los Angeles City College
  • David Shofstahl – Mountain Gateway Community College
  • Tonia Shook – Fred K. Marchman Technical College
  • Kimber-lee Suiter – Greenville Technical College
  • Jeanette Thomas – Iowa Department of Education
  • Karen Treas – William R. Moore College of Technology (Moore Tech)
  • Joy Vann-Hamilton – RW2 Career and Technical Education
  • Eileen Will – Hostos Community College
  • Christian Zimmerman – Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities/ University of Central Florida

This is ACTE’s sixth cohort of postsecondary CTE professionals in leadership development activities. Through this program, fellows build their leadership abilities as they work alongside peer professionals and an experienced mentor in this year-long professional development experience. Fellows also elevate their interpersonal skills and capacity to communicate, collaborate, network, problem solve and use time and resources effectively. The core capstone project is to identify a professional objective to address in each fellows’ institution and carry it out to realize a lasting impact. This program is intended to develop the organizational leadership and management skills of postsecondary CTE professionals, with an emphasis on addressing the needs of underserved populations. The NextLevel Fellowship also includes a research study to help determine what efforts best contribute to leadership development among postsecondary CTE professionals and the creation of resources that can be widely distributed to support others in the field.

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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.

About ECMC Foundation

ECMC Foundation is a Los Angeles-based, nationally focused foundation whose mission is to inspire and to facilitate improvements that affect educational outcomes—especially among underserved populations—through evidence-based innovation. It is one of several affiliates under the ECMC Group enterprise based in Minneapolis. ECMC Foundation makes investments in two focus areas: College Success and Career Readiness; and uses a spectrum of funding structures, including strategic grantmaking and program-related investments, to invest in both nonprofit and for-profit ventures. Working with grantees, partners and peers, ECMC Foundation’s vision is for all learners to unlock their fullest potential. Learn more about ECMC Foundation by visiting ecmcfoundation.org and ECMC Group by visiting ecmcgroup.org.

 

ACTE Announces the 2024 IAED Mentorship Program Participants

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2024
Contact: Hannah Richards, hrichards@acteonline.org 

ACTE Announces the 2024 IAED Mentorship Program Participants

Alexandria, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced its 2024 class of mentors and mentees for ACTE’s IAED Mentorship Program. Forty mentees were accepted for the 2024 class, and twenty-three mentors are serving this year. The goal of the mentorship program is to provide mentors to ACTE members interested in IAED (inclusion, access, equity and diversity) who want to be leaders at their local, state or national CTE programs. This program also supports existing leaders in CATE who want to further incorporate IAED into their leadership style. ACTE is happy to partner with IMAGO for the IAED Mentorship Program.

Mentors and mentees are asked to volunteer 2-4 hours per month to participate in this program. Participants are also asked to attend CareerTech VISION, specifically the IAED reception where the mentors/mentees will meet and at the conclusion of the program, celebrate and reflect on the program experience. In addition to participating in monthly meetings with your mentor, participants are required to complete a Program of Work.

The 2024 cohort includes the following participants:

Mentees:

  • Deborah Abley – Arizona
  • Kendra Allen – Oklahoma
  • Amber Ballard – Ohio
  • Charlotte Birchett – Oklahoma
  • Andrew Boehl – Oklahoma
  • Renee Cosby – Texas
  • Amanda Cummings – Oklahoma
  • Christina Curtis – Georgia
  • Ethan Dado – Minnesota
  • Krista Demetrulias – Arizona
  • Lauren Droste – Wisconsin
  • Kelly Earley – New York
  • Crystal Gardner – Texas
  • Hayley Grisez – Indiana
  • Rachel Haywood – Missouri
  • Harleigh Hodge – Ohio
  • Christina Hurd – Louisiana
  • Shelsy Hutchison – California
  • Taija Jackson – Utah
  • Tessica – Johnson – Louisiana
  • Amy Kastory – Illinois
  • Rigieta Lord – Marshall Islands
  • Adrian Lucero – New Mexico
  • Scott Madsen – Arizona
  • Robin McLean – New Jersey
  • Lonnie McRavin – North Carolina
  • Jutia Merriweather – Georgia
  • Jacquelyn Miller – California
  • Amanda Miller – New York
  • Asusena Morales – Oklahoma
  • Emma Moss – Utah
  • Sean Norman – Colorado
  • Cory Ortiz – Alaska
  • Karen Patterson – Mississippi
  • Charlene Smith – Pennsylvania
  • Tabatha Spurlock – Virginia
  • Stacie Turnbull – Nebraska
  • Sarah Vasquez – Washington
  • Donald Walker – Michigan
  • Toni Watson – Indiana

Mentors

  • Snehal Bhakta – Nevada
  • Kimberly Brinkman – California
  • Holly Camerano – Illinois
  • Jennifer Fisk – Nevada
  • Jennifer Fowler – Arizona
  • Alexa Green – Colorado
  • Stephanie Hara – Oklahoma
  • Dimitria Harding – Minnesota
  • Marjorie Lane – Iowa
  • Rana McVay – Oklahoma
  • Franca Nwankwo – Maryland
  • Brandi Robertson – Ohio
  • LaDonna Selvidge – Oklahoma
  • Jonathan Smith – New Jersey
  • Colleen Smith – New Jersey
  • Jennifer Snyder – Arkansas
  • Tina Statucki – Nevada
  • Cynthia Thomas – New York
  • TaQuila Thomas – Georgia
  • Shelly Thome – Arizona
  • Andrea Verser – Oklahoma
  • Shani Watkins – Washington
  • Chad Young – Indiana

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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.

About IMAGO

IMAGO’s mission is to prepare all learners, primarily in K-12 education, socially and emotionally for their careers, college, and their communities. To achieve this, they provide explicit online social and emotional learning (SEL) video lessons for learners , and professional development workshops and training for educators. IMAGO plans to have six interactive workshop sessions with the cohort this year, five virtual and one in person at CareerTech VISION. Each session will be customized to focus on IAED concepts. Participants can expect a fast-paced interactive workshop that touches on theory and focuses on practical tools and immediate application.

ACTE Announces Board of Directors 2024 Election Results

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2024

 

ACTE Announces Board of Directors 2024 Election Results

Alexandria, VA – The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is pleased to announce the results of the recent election for several spots on its Board of Directors. The election was open to ACTE’s membership of roughly 25,000 educators, administrators and other CTE professionals. The following members were elected:

LaDonna Selvidge, Health Science Education Division Vice President
Ms. Selvidge is a Practical Nursing Director at Francis Tuttle Technology Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She will serve a three-year term beginning July 2024.

Jan Jardine, Work Based Learning Division Vice President
Ms. Jardine is a Director and Coordinator for Provo City School District in Provo, Utah. She will serve a three-year term beginning July 2024.

Dustin Davis-Austin, Region II Vice President-Elect
Mr. Davis-Austin is a Director at Fulton County Schools in Atlanta, Georgia. He will serve a three-year term beginning July 2025.

Martin Hanley, Region III Vice President-Elect
Mr. Hanley is a Director at Lewis & Clark Career Center in St. Charles, Missouri. He will serve a three-year term beginning July 2025.

Richard Trinkwalder, New and Related Services Division Vice President-Elect
Mr. Trinkwalder is Teacher at Grayson Tech in Loganville, Georgia. He will serve a three-year term beginning July 2025.

Karin Davis, Family and Consumer Sciences Education Division Vice President-Elect
Ms. Davis is Instructor at Tulsa Technology Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She will serve a three-year term beginning July 2025.

*Shani Watkins, President-Elect
Appointed by the Board of Directors Ms. Watkins is a Director at West Sound Technical Skills Center in Bremerton, Washington. Her one-year term will begin in July 2024 and will be followed by one-year terms as president and past president, respectively.

*Craig Statucki, Region V Vice President
Appointed by the Board of Directors Mr. Statucki is a Director at the Department of Education in Carson City, Nevada. He will serve a three-year term beginning July 2024.

*Matthew Eddy, Agricultural Education Division Vice President
Appointed by the Board of Directors Mr. Eddy is an Agricultural Consultant at the Department of Education in Des Moines, Iowa. He will serve a three-year term beginning July 2024.

Additionally, the vice president-elect whose election occurred last year will join the Board as vice president in July 2024. Sandra Adams will assume the position of Administration Division Vice President, Brooke Kusch will assume the position of Counseling and Career Development Division Vice President, and Shawn Freie will assume the position of Postsecondary, Adult & Career Education Division Vice President.

ACTE congratulates the winners, and thanks all of the candidates for their willingness to serve and their hard work, dedication, and commitment to the Association. ACTE also thanks all of its members who had their voices heard by voting in the election.

 

ACTE Announces 2024 National Award Winners

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 1, 2023
Contact: Dominique Frascoia
dfrascoia@acteonline.org

 

ACTE Announces 2024 National Award Winners

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced its 2024 national winners in eight different award categories. Winners were announced for Teacher of the Year, Postsecondary Professional of the Year, Administrator of the Year, New Teacher of the Year, Teacher Educator of the Year, Counseling and Career Development Professional Award, Lifetime Achievement and Carl Perkins Community Service Awards.

Teacher of the Year

Aris Pangilinan – Washington, DC

Postsecondary Professional of the Year

Ashlee Spannagel – West Burlington, IA

Administrator of the Year

Rod Belnap – Hooper, UT

New Teacher of the Year

Mindy Lyle – Mena, AR

Teacher Educator of the Year

Laura Van Waardhuizen – Ames, IA

Counseling and Career Development Professional Award

Kristina Guy – Surprise, AZ

Lifetime Achievement

Jan Jardine – Provo, UT

Carl Perkins Community Service Award

Robby Branscum – Stillwater, OK

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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.

Catapult Launches ‘Masterclass’ Professional Development Initiative with Los Angeles County Community Colleges

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For media inquiries, contact:
Dr. Kevin J. Fleming
CEO and Founder
info@catapultlpd.com

Catapult Launches ‘Masterclass’ Professional Development Initiative with Los Angeles County Community Colleges
New Partnership with Los Angeles Community Colleges and Association for Career and Technical Education Set to be a National Model of Excellence

LOS ANGELES, Monday, October 9, 2023 — Today, Catapult, in collaboration with the
Los Angeles Regional Consortium (LARC) and the Association for Career and Technical
Education (ACTE), announced a transformative new partnership to enhance career
readiness for students learning new and upgrading existing skills for Los Angeles
County’s dynamic economy. The initiative will address existing systemic challenges in
professional development by introducing innovative educational approaches to the
classroom, including institutionalizing proven work-based learning practices.

The project, funded through a grant awarded by ECMC Foundation, is poised to
redefine the professional learning landscape in postsecondary education. Aptly titled
“Catapulting Career Readiness for Los Angeles’ Community Colleges,” lessons learned
and new institutional practices developed will be shared across community colleges
nationwide through the partnership with ACTE.

“Catapult is uniquely positioned to redefine professional development in the field, with a
proven track record, acclaimed speakers, and successful outcome metrics. This
partnership aligns perfectly with ECMC Foundation’s strategic direction and our
commitment to empower and equip educational institutions to thrive in a rapidly evolving
world,” said Dr. Kevin J. Fleming, Founder and CEO of Catapult.

“ACTE is excited about the ability to offer this new professional development model to
help drive institutional change at community and technical colleges in Los Angeles,”
said ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Curry. “We look forward to building on the lessons
learned from this targeted effort to expand our capacity to offer intensive, high-quality
professional development to all our members across the country.”

Key elements of this groundbreaking initiative include:

  • Institution-Wide Professional Development: Over 7,000 employees at nine
    regional community colleges within LA County will benefit from this
    institution-wide professional development program. Led by the Los Angeles
    Regional Consortium, the initiative guarantees clear communication of
    expectations, securing executive leadership buy-in and participation.
  • Dynamic Catapult Masterclasses: This project introduces two, highly
    anticipated Catapult masterclasses: “Work-Based Learning” in Fall 2023 and
    “Career Readiness” in Spring 2024. These masterclasses feature an impressive
    lineup of speakers, including prominent education subject-matter experts. The
    demographic composition and vast experience of each keynote speaker reflects
    Los Angeles’ diverse and inclusive range of perspectives.

The project addresses the limitations of traditional professional development, which
often fall short in two significant ways:

  1. Lack of Transfer of Learning: Traditional professional development struggles to
    bridge the gap between theory and practice. Research shows that only 10% to
    20% of what is learned through these methods is effectively applied to job
    performance. Catapult’s masterclasses, however, offer actionable and
    applicable content tailored to the specific needs of participants.
  2. Lack of Follow-Up Support: Traditional methods often lack follow-up support,
    which is crucial for reinforcing learning and improving job performance. Catapult
    addresses this by providing customized action planning, cohort-based
    learning, and inquiry-based professional development, empowering
    employees to effectively apply what they’ve learned.

“Los Angeles community colleges are built to ensure classroom instruction is
contextualized for the in-demand skills of today’s cutting-edge careers, but as a system
of higher education, we know there is always more we can do to achieve even greater
outcomes for our students,” added Dr. Narineh Makijan, Regional Chair/Assistant Vice
President, Los Angeles Regional Consortium. “Growing the pipeline of career technical
education faculty and professional development opportunities are key goals of the
California state plan for Career Technical Education, and through this initiative, Los
Angeles community colleges look to be a model of excellence for other colleges
throughout California and the nation.”

To learn more about how Catapult enhances education’s professional development
programming, visit https://www.catapultlpd.com/.

To learn more about our partners visit:
ECMC Foundation
The Los Angeles Regional Consortium
Association for Career and Technical Education

Nevada Student Wins ACTE National Student Trophy Design Contest

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2023

Contact: Dana Lampe
dlampe@acteonline.org

 

Nevada Student Wins ACTE National Student Trophy Design Contest

Student of Advanced Technologies Academy Wins National Award

 

Alexandria, VA – Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced  Advanced Technologies Academy student Madison Adams as the national student trophy design winner in its eighth annual student trophy design contest. She is taught by Francisco Sermeno, an instructor at Advance Technologies Academy. The contest is sponsored by ACTE and Stratasys, Ltd., a manufacturer of 3D printers and production systems.

Since 1954, ACTE has awarded those who have made exemplary contributions in the field of career and technical education (CTE). The student trophy design contest is a competition for students to design the 3D trophy for the ACTE Excellence Awards. The winning trophy design will be 3D-printed by Stratasys and presented to the 11national award winners at the 2023 ACTE Awards Gala in conjunction with ACTE’s CareerTech VISION. This year’s gala will be held November 29 at 7 p.m. at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Madison’s submission was selected by ACTE’s Board of Directors out of entries from students across the country. In addition to having the design used to create this year’s trophies, Madison will receive a $1,000 scholarship and Advanced Technologies Academy will receive a free one-year lease of a 3D printer, courtesy of Stratasys, Ltd.

Madison is a sophomore at Advanced Technologies Academy, also known as A-Tech. She is in their engineering program and has a passion for math and science. Madison loves coding and chemistry, and has really enjoyed being able to use the computer aided design software (CAD). Madison has known that she wants to be an engineer for quite some time. During her freshman year, while using the CAD software she narrowed her desired field to mechanical engineering. She hopes to study at one of the top engineering schools. When Madison is not in school or studying, you can find her on the tennis courts practicing for her next tournament.

“The Student Trophy Design Contest has successfully helped promote CTE classrooms across the country for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, engineers, and more,” said ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Curry. “Madison’s outstanding achievements, and her passion for CTE, are further evidence of the critical role high-quality CTE plays in maintaining and growing America’s role in the global economy. We are so proud of Madison and her accomplishments, and we are honored to have her as a public ambassador for all that today’s CTE has to offer.”

Jesse Roitenberg, Stratasys National Education Manager shared his thoughts on the contest over the years, “Stratasys maintains an ongoing partnership with ACTE to organize and administer this contest for both students and instructors. This contest holds significant value, as the winning design is granted the privilege of being showcased in locations such as the top teachers’ offices, trophy cases or even the winner’s own home refrigerator. In addition to the pride associated with victory and the enduring legacy of one’s design, it is crucial to recognize the paramount importance of advancing knowledge in Additive Manufacturing and Computer Aided Drafting. These technologies are increasingly indispensable to companies in their design and manufacturing processes. By participating in this contest, students are equipped with invaluable skills that will greatly benefit their future employment prospects.”

 

The winning trophy design

Madison Adams, trophy design winner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

ACE Electric, Inc. Named as an ACTE Business-Education Partnership Award Winner

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2023 

Contact:
Dominique Frascoia
dfrascoia@acteonline.org  

 

ACE Electric, Inc. Named as an ACTE Business-Education Partnership Award Winner

ALEXANDRIA, VA - The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and its Board of Directors is pleased to announce ACE Electric, Inc. as an ACTE Business-Education Partnership Award Winner. The Business-Education Partnership Award celebrates the contributions and achievements of schools and businesses that aid in the development and maintenance of partnerships supporting high-quality career and technical education (CTE). 

The ACE Electric and Lowndes High School Worked-Based Learning partnership was designed to address a critical labor shortage faced by ACE Electric in the Commercial and Electrical Construction industry. This labor shortage was exacerbated by the average employee age steadily increasing over the last decade with many retirements, and a lack of student awareness and recruiting in the electrical contracting trade. In short, Ace’s high school internship program, AMPED, was formed out of necessity. 

The problem faced by Lowndes High School Work-Based Learning & Youth Apprenticeship was the lack of robust placements for students in the construction and electrical industries. The problem local technical schools faced was increasing dual enrollment opportunities and demonstrating responsiveness to each community’s needs. 

The result of this partnership was as intended. A talent pipeline was developed from Lowndes High School through the Work-Based Learning program to ACE Electric; to address a critical labor shortage. This was accomplished by providing early access to talent resulting in a local employer gaining a competitive advantage to retain said talent. This talent was invested in further by our post-secondary institution, which provided the credentialing necessary to register these students not only as Youth Apprentices but also as Registered Apprentices with the Department of Labor. 

ACE Electric, Inc. will be recognized alongside other national ACTE award winners on November 29, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. ET, at the annual ACTE Awards Gala. For more information on the Excellence Awards and the Awards Gala, visit http://www.acteonline.org/awards. 

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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, 

 

Don Wood Foundation Named as an ACTE Business-Education Partnership Award Winner

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2023 

Contact:
Dominique Frascoia
dfrascoia@acteonline.org  

 

Don Wood Foundation Named as an ACTE Business-Education Partnership Award Winner

ALEXANDRIA, VA - The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and its Board of Directors is pleased to announce the Don Wood Foundation as an ACTE Business-Education Partnership Award Winner. The Business-Education Partnership Award celebrates the contributions and achievements of schools and businesses that aid in the development and maintenance of partnerships supporting high-quality career and technical education (CTE). 

The Don Wood Foundation was established in 2018 to honor the legacy of Don Wood, co-founder of 80/20 Inc. The foundation emerged to address the skilled labor shortage in the manufacturing industry and nurture qualities such as leadership development, sales training, and entrepreneurial education. Don Wood envisioned a future where students could pursue fulfilling careers in industrial trades, advanced manufacturing, leadership, and innovation, regardless of the common perception that success relied solely on a four-year degree. His dream encompassed equipping college-bound individuals and nontraditional candidates with the necessary tools, skills, and scholarships to thrive in these crucial fields.  

The ongoing partnership between Indiana CTE Districts and the Don Wood Foundation has yielded many positive impacts and innovative outcomes. One significant outcome is the provision of upgraded equipment and materials to enhance CTE pathways in manufacturing, welding, and precision machining. This support has been instrumental in improving the quality of education and training for students in these areas, ultimately preparing them for the workforce. 

The Don Wood Foundation will be recognized alongside other national ACTE award winners on November 29, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. ET, at the annual ACTE Awards Gala. For more information on the Excellence Awards and the Awards Gala, visit http://www.acteonline.org/awards. 

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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 

About Don Wood Foundation
The Don Wood Foundation is a private foundation, established in 2018 by Don Wood, founder of 80/20, Inc., that serves and supports innovators, leaders, collaborators, and skilled workers with the potential to create and sustain opportunities in manufacturing. The Foundation partners with non-profits and educational institutions to provide sustained investment that supports the development of a diverse workforce through exposure, education, and training to create strong communities rooted in the advancement of manufacturing.  

Jerry Farley Named ACTE Champion for CTE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2023 

Contact:
Dominique Frascoia, ACTE
dfrascoia@acteonline.org 

 

Jerry Farley Named ACTE Champion for CTE

ALEXANDRIA, VA - The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and its Board of Directors are pleased to announce the ACTE Champion for CTE: Dr. Jerry Farley, Vice President of Career and Technical Education at Oakmont Education in Akron, OH. The ACTE Champion for CTE award recognizes education leaders, business and industry executives, celebrities and thought leaders who support and champion career and technical education (CTE) programs as a vital part of developing a prepared, adaptable and competitive workforce. 

Dr. Jerry Farley is a trained special educator with more than 35 years of experience, including roles as a direct care worker, classroom teacher, building administrator, and school superintendent. He unites comprehensive support, industry credentialing, and hands-on job experience, Jerry develops programs that provide students with the opportunity to realize their unique “life after high school” dreams while ensuring the ability to earn a sustainable living wage.  

Dr. Farley has spent his career advocating for the students who are “forgotten about” in public education as he designs and builds CTE Credentialing Programs for students that can be adaptable to the lives of those students. This has been his life’s work and his life’s journey. The students he serves have a variety of non-traditional as well as typical life setbacks and barriers. These include homeless students, teen parents, mentally/emotionally struggling youth, economically challenged as well as disabled students, etc. Dr. Farley not only builds programs that provide these students with a future sustainable career but also has the forethought to design additional services that are required for his students to be successful.  

Dr. Jerry Farley has moved mountains at the forefront of education on a state and national level by continually working as an advocate for dropout recovery students. The work he has done has changed the face of career tech education for all non-traditional and underserved students in Ohio. Recently Dr. Farley and his counterpart, Cris Gullacy-Worrell have received national recognition as top award recipients of the Yazz Prize. This prize awards over $20 million annually, the Yass Prize rewards education providers who best deliver an education that is Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding, and Permissionless. He holds a Doctor of Education from East Tennessee State University with a focus in educational leadership and policy analysis and a B.A. and M.A. in special education from Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina. 

Dr. Jerry Farley will be recognized alongside other national ACTE award winners at the Awards Gala on November 29 at 7:00 p.m. For more information on the Excellence Awards and the Awards Gala, visit http://www.acteonline.org/awards. 

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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.