ACTE PACE Summit 2024

For many students, exposure to postsecondary career pathways that can lead to a living wage is not happening until senior year in high school. They need more effective support along the work-based learning continuum, at a much earlier stage, so they can make informed decisions about their future. Four leaders at the intersection of education and workforce development delve into some of the innovations and promising programs they have been involved with, to provide students with earlier and more hands-on practice across the construction trades, healthcare, and IT industries. They will discuss a summer immersive CTE experience at Microsoft that amplifies career exploration; workshops for students interested in Propel America’s accelerated postsecondary training program in allied health; the Chicago Public Schools' innovative Health Science Pathway; and CPS’ approach to broadening understanding among school counselors and students about construction trade pathways. They will share insights from the perspectives of students, teachers and counselors, district leaders, and employers, about the need for deeper engagement with career opportunities; the importance of cultivating employer partnerships across industries; preparing for the emergence of AI; and broader recognition of persistent obstacles. Lastly, they will share recommendations on policy changes to improve postsecondary CTE outcomes.