WA-ACTE 2026 Summer Conference

3:00pm PDT

Future‑Ready STEM Starts Here: Why PLTW Leads the Way

Sunday August 2, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT

Collaborate and learn why Project Lead The Way remains the top choice for engaging students in STEM through engineering, biomedical science, and computer science pathways. Explore new courses—Advanced Manufacturing, Building for the Future & Skilled Trades, and Principles of AI. Discover how PLTW prepares students with industry credentials and college credit opportunities. Hear from WA PLTW teachers and CTE Directors and learn about grants to launch or expand programs. Let’s build future‑ready STEM pathways that actually stick!

Speakers

Diane Lashinsky

Director of School Success, Project Lead The Way

Diane Lashinsky is the PLTW Director of School Success in WA State. Diane has 30-years of experience in K-12 education as a teacher and administrator and has been working with Project Lead The Way for 10 years. Her primary role is to advise and support WA school districts and... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 4

WITEA, STEM

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

Meeting Room # 1

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

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