WA-ACTE 2026 Summer Conference

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9:00am PDT

Equity at Sea: Expanding Access to Maritime Career and Technical Education Through Strategic Partnerships

Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

This session highlights a proven, strategic model for expanding access to high-quality Maritime Career and Technical Education (CTE) experiences for underrepresented youth. Through the “Equity at Sea” program at Sound Experience, students engage in immersive, hands-on maritime learning that integrates STEM, environmental science, and workforce development aboard the historic schooner Adventuress.Participants will explore how strategic partnerships with community-based organizations, workforce agencies, and schools can reduce barriers to participation and create meaningful pathways into maritime and environmental careers. This session will provide practical strategies for designing inclusive Maritime CTE programs, building sustainable partnerships, and aligning experiential learning with High School and Beyond Plans.Attendees will leave with actionable frameworks to replicate similar access-driven, maritime career-connected learning opportunities.

Speakers

Richard Lauridsen

Partnership Director, Sound Experience

As Partnership Director for Sound Experience and the historic schooner Adventuress, Richard collaborates with schools, community nonprofits, local governments, workforce organizations and tribal organizations to design inclusive, mission-aligned programs across the Salish Sea. His work focuses on expanding access to maritime education and creating pathways for... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1

WITEA, STEM

10:00am PDT

From Blank Framework to Standards-Aligned Framework: Using AI in CTE

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

Meeting Room # 1

Learn how to leverage both free and paid AI tools to move from a blank framework to a fully developed, standards-aligned CTE framework with greater speed, consistency, and confidence. This hands-on session shares real prompts, workflows, and strategies for framework writing, pathway alignment, curriculum development, and program planning while maintaining alignment to state standards and workforce needs. These same strategies have also supported grant writing and program expansion efforts. Be sure to bring a device for guided, real-time application.

Speakers

Scott Sandberg

CTE Coordinator, Ephrata School District

Scott Sandberg is a CTE Coordinator and Business, Technology and Engineering teacher in Ephrata School District. A PLTW Master Teacher and AI Certified educator, he collaborates with OSPI, PLTW, and education and industry stakeholders to develop scalable, standards-aligned CTE frameworks... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1

WITEA

11:00am PDT

Upskilling Your Students and Learning Stipends

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

Meeting Room #10

Future jobs and careers for our CTE students is a concern for every district. Help your students gain essential skills to enter and transition to today’s workforce in careers that are changing and challenging with technological advances. Funding is available now that enable students to take courses and certifications that will lead them to industry recognized certifications and entry level jobs, internships and apprenticeships. Students deserve opportunities beyond what is often feasible for each district and this session will discuss federal initiatives that help students throughout the country. The convergence of industry partnerships and how funds are available will be discussed.

Speakers

Jill Ranucci, Ph.D.

CTE Consultant, Jill Ranucci, Ph.D., CTE Consultant

Dr. Jill Ranucci is a College and Career Readiness advocate and has an extensive background in Career and Technical Education (CTE) as an administrator and teacher. Dr. Ranucci has held district positions in CTE in Arizona and Texas. Jill consults for several companies to help them... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Meeting Room #10 Second Floor Davenport Grand

WITEA, .