Applications for the 2026 NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Fellowship will open in June. The nationally recognized program is now a registration-based initiative open to postsecondary institutions, individuals, businesses and other organizations. Registration fees for accepted applicants will be $3,000 (does not include lodging or travel for optional in-person events). The benefits of participating in the Fellowship are validated by the more than 100 alumni who have made an impact on their institutions.
 
We encourage postsecondary institutions and others who understand the value of investing in CTE educator professional development to share this program. As a reminder, the fellowship includes the following:
  • Focus on solving pressing campus issues through collaboration on dedicated projects
  • Access to national experts
  • Connection with expert mentors
  • Membership in the NextLevel Alumni Network, following participation in the Fellowship.
  • Presentation opportunities at national conferences
 
ACTE greatly appreciates the ECMC Foundation’s steadfast commitment to the program and its future.

 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The vision for the NextLevel Fellowship is to provide 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 NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leadership Program is made possible through the generous support of the ECMC Foundation.

Current Cohort

NextLevel Fellows 2024 CareerTech VISION Sessions

Registration

THE FELLOWSHIP

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.

The NextLevel Fellows will participate in monthly webinars designed to challenge the current thinking and practices designed to propel action toward building a more robust and equitable CTE presence in each participants’ institution. The Fellows will be exposed to such topics as the future of CTE; building stronger alliances with secondary CTE and dual credit; building strong business-education partnerships and creating high quality work-based learning opportunities for students; what skills are demanded to lead in today’s educational and labor climate; Higher Education Act and Perkins reauthorizations; building global competencies; exploring the U.S. skills gap; interaction with leaders from governmental education agencies such as the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education (OCTAE), U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL); and models for high quality CTE programs and instruction.

In addition to monthly webinars the NextLevel Fellows will have three in-person meetings to enhance the cohort’s experience as they attend conferences, including a visit to a nationally recognized community/technical college to see programs, business partnerships, and interact with leaders on that campus. The Fellows will also engage with current leaders from across the country on CTE advocacy, policy, instruction and leadership.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • CTE Professionals working with adult students and/or adult postsecondary programs
  • CTE Professionals who have two or more years’ experience in leadership and/or administration in a community college, career center, or university offering certificate or associate degree programs, or CTE-related organization with regular contact with postsecondary students.
  • CTE Professionals who have an interest in addressing the needs of underserved populations and creating change at their institution

This program is not for CTE professionals working in a secondary education institution, who work primarily with secondary students (including dual/concurrent enrollment programs), or Instructors without leadership or administration responsibilities in postsecondary CTE.

  • Actively participate in monthly webinars with cohort and guest speakers
  • Create a “Make It Better” Plan (institutional area of change)
  • Submit all Program of Work activities by deadlines through Google Classroom
  • Participate in follow-up surveys and focus groups during and after fellowship year
  • Attend ECMC Foundation’s Convening in Fall 2025 (dates to be shared)
  • Virtual engagement opportunities for ACTE Events

Optional Travel (travel and lodging not covered by Fellowship)

  • ACTE’s PACE Summit 2025
  • ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2025