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

Cardboard Arcades: Creativity, Engineering, and Engagement

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

Meeting Room # 1

In this hands-on session, participants will explore how cardboard arcade projects can spark creativity, collaboration, engineering thinking, and student engagement in STEM and CTE classrooms. Attendees will learn strategies for launching and managing a cardboard arcade design challenge, explore student examples and classroom resources, and participate in a mini cardboard design activity using simple materials and Makedo tools. Participants will leave with adaptable ideas and resources ready for classroom use.

Speakers

Rena Clark

CTE STEM Facilitator, Renton School District

Rena Clark is currently a middle school CTE and STEM teacher and soon-to-be STEM Teaching and Learning Specialist in the Renton School District. She has nearly 20 years of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, district facilitator, and STEM leader. Rena teaches Game Design... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1

Multiple Sections, STEM

2:00pm PDT

FREE Industry Certifications...With my Library Card?

Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

Meeting Room # 1

Your students and staff can now access free self-paced courses, practice tests, exam vouchers and proctoring, ALL FREE with thier local or state library card! Learn about the state library's free certification program, and how easy it is for your students and staff to access these free resources through https://wsl.infojinicloud.com. We'll cover the program, the website, and partnership opportunities! This is for instructors, program managers, career counselors, directors, and community partners.

Speakers

Joyce Abbott

Workforce Development Librarian, Washington State Library - Statewide

Joyce works at the intersection of workforce development, digital equity, and public service. As the workforce development librarian for the Washington State Library, she supports libraries, community orgs, nonprofits and local government in connecting learners with resources that... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 1

Multiple Sections