WA-ACTE 2026 Summer Conference

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10:00am PDT

From BACE to Beyond: Industry-Aligned Biotech Credentials to Strengthen Career Pathways

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

The Biotechnology Aptitude and Competency Exam (BACE) serves as a base, with a framework supported by bioscience industry standards for career-ready talent. Building on the validated BACE credential, new credentials aligned with high-demand workforce needs have been developed to expand bioscience career options. This session will share credential design strategies and provide industry insights on technician-level talent. We invite educators, administrators, counselors, and industry partners to explore how industry hiring needs and credentialing models intersect to shape career pathway ecosystems.

Speakers

Tamara Mandell

Director, University of Florida, Biotility

Tamara Mandell, M.Ed., serves as Director of Biotility at the University of Florida (UF Biotility), where she leads national efforts to build a skilled, future ready bioscience workforce. Applying more than a decade of combined academic research and industrial biotechnology experience... Read More →

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1

WITEA

11:00am PDT

REVIT: Preparing Students for the Clean‑Energy Workforce

Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

Meeting Room # 4

This session explores the development of the Renewable Energy Vehicle and Infrastructure Technician (REVIT) program, a future‑ready clean energy pathway co‑designed with industry and educators to prepare students for careers in renewable energy, hydrogen technologies, and sustainable infrastructure. Learn how REVIT blends project‑based learning, NGSS, and CTE standards to create a coherent, multi‑credit sequence that builds real‑world problem‑solving and workforce skills. Participants will leave with curriculum, resources, and practical insights to adapt this work in their own contexts.

Speakers

Hanna Jaramillo

Career-Connected STEM Education Designer & Consultant, Teater-Crocker

Hanna Jaramillo has deep experience as a Teaching and Learning Associate Director and secondary teacher. This is the foundation of her work designing equitable, future-ready learning experiences. Her work centers on empowering educators, aligning curricula with standards and sustainability... Read More →

Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 4

WITEA, STEM