This bi-weekly newsletter is designed to keep you informed and connected, providing important updates, timely reminders, and valuable resources for our Career and Technical Education (CTE) community. Should you have any questions or need further assistance, please reach out to your Delaware CTE liaison. Thank you for staying engaged with Delaware CTE!
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CTE Presidential Scholars Nominations - Due Jan. 23
The U.S. Department of Education has opened the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program with a short turnaround, requiring the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) to submit five (5) Career and Technical Education (CTE) nominations in early February. All CTE nominations are due to DDOE by Friday, January 23, via the online submission form. Eligible students must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, graduate with a high school diploma between January and August 2026, and demonstrate outstanding academic achievement in Career and Technical Education. Selected nominees will be invited to apply in mid-February, with Presidential Scholars announced in May.
MOT Charter TSA Builds on Award-Winning Service with Recent Fundraiser
In support of Stop Soldier Suicide, MOT Charter’s Technology Student Association chapter recently completed a school-wide fundraiser addressing veteran mental health. From September through December, students and staff raised awareness and funds to support life-saving services for veterans and service members, exceeding their $1,600 goal by raising $1,726. This recent initiative builds on the chapter’s award-winning service and leadership records, which earned MOT Charter TSA the Jon Manon STEAM Team Education Award earlier this year. For more information contact Roger.Seedorf@mot.k12.de.us.
Empower Your Classroom —Computer Science & Engineering Educators Apply Now!
ExCITE II is recruiting high school computer science, technology, and engineering educators nationwide for Cohort 3 (2026–27). With only 10 seats remaining, gain training to teach AP Computer Science Principles byDesign through hands-on, project-based learning. Participants receive a $2,000 stipend, a $2,800 robotics kit set, travel reimbursement, AP CSP certification, a one-year ITEEA membership, and 90 CE hours. Apply today!
DECA State Career Development Conference - Jan 27-28
The Delaware DECA State Career Development Conference is coming to the University of Delaware on January 27–28, in partnership with the Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics. Over two exciting days, hundreds of Delaware DECA members will showcase their leadership, creativity, and career-ready skills through competitive events, networking, and professional growth opportunities. This conference celebrates the next generation of leaders in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.
DECA State Career Development Conference - Jan 27-28
The Delaware DECA State Career Development Conference is coming to the University of Delaware on January 27–28, in partnership with the Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics. Over two exciting days, hundreds of Delaware DECA members will showcase their leadership, creativity, and career-ready skills through competitive events, networking, and professional growth opportunities. This conference celebrates the next generation of leaders in marketing.
Community Foundation Scholarships Now Open — Trade School Scholarships Available for the First Time!
Students can apply for 82 scholarships through the 2026–2027 Scholarship Compendium, offered by the Delaware Community Foundation. Opportunities support high school seniors and college students, including those with financial need, strong academics, specific racial or ethnic backgrounds, and targeted majors—plus new scholarships for trade school students. For details, contact Grant & Scholarship Coordinator Kelly Sheridan at 302.889.1907.
Delaware Youth Workforce Connect Conference – January 22 in New Castle
The Delaware Youth Workforce Connect Conference brings educators, employers, community partners, and state agencies together on January 22, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Route 9 Library & Innovation Center in New Castle. Hosted by the Delaware Department of Labor, the in-person event features youth employment updates, workforce readiness sessions, and the premiere of an AI-powered child labor awareness video. Registration is required.
Nominations Open: 2026 NAPE Champions Awards Due Jan 30
Nominations are now open for the 2026 NAPE Champions Awards, recognizing education and industry leaders who advance equity, inclusion, and diversity. Award categories include Heart and Hope, Leadership in Expanding Diversity in Technology, and Teamwork. Honorees will be celebrated at the NAPE Summit, April 20–22, 2026. Submit a nomination by January 30, 2026.
Call for Nominations: 2026 DACCTE CTE Awards - Due Feb 6
The Delaware Advisory Council on Career and Technical Education (DACCTE) invites nominations for its 2026 Awards Program, recognizing outstanding contributions to Career and Technical Education (CTE) in Delaware. Award categories include: a business, industry, agency, labor union, or trade association; an individual from the private or public sector; an exceptional 12th-grade or 8th-grade CTE student; and an outstanding CTE educator in high school or middle school. Please encourage all appropriate CTE personnel to participate by submitting nominations electronically by February 6, 2026. Check out the DACCTE website for nomination forms and for questions, contact Ann Breeding at ann.breeding@delaware.gov.
Delaware Agriscience State Professional Development Day - April 30
Delaware Agriscience educators in conjunction with the University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources are hosting a state professional development day. Training will be held on April 30, 2026, from 8 am- 4 pm on the University of Delaware campus. Please reach out to sarah.bell@doe.k12.de.us with any questions about this opportunity.
Reminder
Call for Educators, Postsecondary, and Industry Partners: AET & MET Programs of Study Redesign - Due Feb 2
The Delaware Department of Education’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) team is launching a redesign of the Architectural Engineering Technology (AET) and Manufacturing Engineering Technology (MET) Programs of Study and is seeking participation from educators, postsecondary partners, and industry partners. Stakeholder voice is central to this work, which will focus on collaboratively strengthening program design, refining instructional resources for students, and informing state and local CTE policy and practice. The application for the redesign team opened Dec 19, 2025, and closes Feb 2, 2026 with approved members assigned on March 1, 2026. All redesign work will be completed by March 2027, and participants may engage in multiple focus groups based on interest and availability. Please share this opportunity with colleagues and partners who support AET and MET programs. Questions and submissions of interest should be directed to Mike Fitzgerald at mike.fitzgerald@doe.k12.de.us.
Delaware TSA Launches 2026 Solar Racer Competition with DNREC
At the 2026 Delaware TSA Conference (March 30–31, 2026), middle school students can compete in Solar Racer, an updated version of DNREC’s Junior Solar Sprint. Participation is limited to middle schools that (1) offer a state-recognized, TSA-related CTE middle level program, (2) are officially affiliated with National TSA, and (3) register for state contests. Teams needing a Solar Racer kit (supplies are limited) should email Jim Lee, Community Resource Officer for DNREC’s Division of Climate, Coastal & Energy, at jamesw.lee@delaware.gov. Teams build their solar-powered cars before the event and race them at the conference, showcasing creativity, engineering skills, and teamwork. Co-sponsored by DNREC and Delaware TSA, Solar Racer introduces students to renewable energy through a fun, hands-on STEM challenge. For questions, contact Mike.Fitzgerald@doe.k12.de.us.
Delaware Pathways: A Vision for Career Readiness and Economic Mobility
Episode 22 of the podcast Implement. Change in Education, produced by EdScale, spotlights Delaware Pathways — the statewide initiative transforming education-to-career pathways across Delaware.
In this episode, EdScale founder Tom DeWire welcomes Joanna Staib from the Delaware Department of Labor and Dr. Jon Wickert from the Delaware Department of Education’s Office of Career & Technical Education, who together share how cross-agency leadership is expanding high-quality pathways, strengthening data systems, and increasing access to meaningful work-based learning. Their conversation highlights Delaware’s momentum: Pathways now reach more than 70% of high school students and over half of middle schoolers. A major milestone for workforce development, opportunity, and equity.
Superstars in Education & Training Awards - Due Jan 22
The 2026 Superstars in Education & Training Awards recognize outstanding programs in four categories: High School Programs, Higher Education Programs, Independent Training/Certificate Programs, and Corporate Training. These awards honor innovative models that strengthen Delaware’s workforce and expand career-ready opportunities. Applications are now open, and all submissions are due by Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. Honorees will be celebrated at the Navigating Delaware Pathways Summit on April 28, 2026.
Access Delaware’s Free Engineering byDesign (EbD) Curriculum for PreK–12 Classrooms
ITEEA's Engineering byDesign (EbD) PreK-12th grade curriculum is funded by the state and available to educators in Delaware at NO additional cost! Visit ITEEA’s STEM by State webpage for instructions on how to access, simply click our state on the map. You will also find an attached pdf that explains how to request curriculum access. EbD is founded on the principle that student’s untapped ingenuity holds immense potential for shaping the future of technology and innovation. EbD immerses students in authentic problem- and project-based learning environments, and this approach not only teaches essential concepts and principles but also prepares students for future STEM careers.
Registration Opens in January for 2026 SkillsUSA Delaware State Leadership & Skills Conference!
The 2026 Delaware SLSC will be held in March 2026 at various locations across Delaware, featuring leadership and skilled competitions, statewide career exploration, and opportunities to connect with industry partners. Top performers advance to the National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta. Event details and contest standards are online. Competitors must be registered as national members by December 31 to be eligible.
Registration Open for Pathways to Possibilities Conference - February 18, 2026
Delaware’s middle school Hospitality, Events & Tourism (Family & Consumer Sciences) programs are invited to the Pathways to Possibilities Conference at the Riverfront Chase Center in Wilmington on February 18, 2026 provide rigorous, industry-aligned learning experiences through advanced skill-attainment events, mentoring, interactive workshops, college & career exploration, and leadership development. These conferences elevate students’ readiness for high school pathways and future opportunities in hospitality, culinary, events, and community leadership. For more Information contact Dr. Michael Hill-Shaner at Michael.hill-shaner@doe.k12.de.us,
Registration Open for Feb 4-5 Delaware BPA State Leadership Conference 2026!
The Delaware BPA State Leadership Conference is the capstone experience for middle-level and high school members, featuring two days of competition, leadership development, and career exploration on February 4 & 5, 2026 at Bally’s Dover. Students showcase workplace skills, participate in workshops, and connect with business and community leaders. Top performers advance to the National Leadership Conference. We also welcome judges and volunteers to support this event. For more information, contact info@delawarebpa.org.
Registration Open for the Delaware Educators Rising State Conference – February 10–11, 2026!
Delaware Department of Education, the Delaware Teacher Academy Foundation, and the University of Delaware are pleased to host the 2026 Delaware Educators Rising State Leadership Conference, which will be held February 10–11, 2026 at the University of Delaware. Guided by the theme From Access to Action, this rigorous two-day experience advances students’ professional readiness through high-level skill-attainment events, targeted mentoring, college & career fairs, plus panels and workshops featuring education and community leaders. Students will qualify for the National Educators Rising Conference in Portland, Oregon this June. Registration is open for students, judges, mentors, and presenters. For more information contact Dr. Michael Hill-Shaner at Michael.hill-shaner@doe.k12.de.us.
February 12, 2026 - Preliminary FFA Competitions at Woodbridge High School
Delaware FFA Association will be hosting Preliminary FFA Leadership Development Events at Woodbridge High School on February 12, 2026. Students will be competing in prepared public speaking, extemporaneous speaking, job interview, and Creed speaking. The top eight students from each respective contest will move onto the State FFA Convention in March to compete.
Invitations Open for the Delaware ProStart Events – February 17–18, 2026!
ProStart students are invited to participate in two days of advanced culinary, hospitality, and restaurant management experiences on February 17–18, 2026, at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington. This statewide event features high-level skill-attainment challenges, industry mentoring, college & career exploration, and team-based problem-solving aligned to real-world restaurant and hospitality operations. Students gain authentic, industry-validated experiences that strengthen readiness for high school pathways, apprenticeships, and future careers in culinary and hospitality leadership. For more Information contact Meghan Gardner at meg@delawarerestaurant.org.
February 19, 2026 - Delaware FFA Vision Conference
FFA members from around the state will come together to learn about leadership, belonging, and relationships. This conference is for high school members to develop and strengthen their skills. The members will have the ability to meet other students from across the state and take the knowledge they learned to implement in their own lives.
February 21-28, 2026- National FFA Week
During this week, chapters host multiple events to celebrate FFA and engage their members and community. Events vary across chapters, but the week is full of meetings, ceremonies, celebration dinners and more! The Delaware FFA Association also hosts a state-wide event that all members are able to attend. Additionally, the state hosts a social media challenge and encourages all members to participate.
March 25-26, 2026 - State FFA Convention
Delaware FFA State Convention is the biggest state-wide event of the year. It is a two-day event that takes place at the University of Delaware. The convention provides diverse opportunities for all students such as Career and Leadership Development events; State Officer candidate interviews, retirement, and installation; engaging sessions; award presentations; leadership workshops; talent performances; and the opportunity to network with local colleges and companies at the College and Career Fair! The goal of State Convention is to celebrate the hard work and dedication of all of Delaware FFA’s members and supporters.
Registration Open for March 30-31 DETSA State Leadership Conference!
Registration is now open for the 2026 Delaware Technology Student Association (DETSA) State Leadership Conference! Register your chapter using the conference page. The 2026 SLC features virtual contests due in February and will conclude with the live conference on March 30–31, 2026 at the University of Delaware. Registration closes January 23, 2025.
The DDOE CTE Professional Learning and CTSO Calendar for 2025-26 document has been updated on Sept 12, 2025. The document outlines key professional development opportunities, conferences, and events for Delaware CTE educators and students. It includes workshops, summer institutes, leadership events, CTSO state and national conferences, and specialized trainings focused on literacy, math, and work-based learning. The document supports educators in aligning CTE programs with workforce needs and enhancing student success through high-quality learning experiences. Should you have any questions, please contact your DOE CTE program manager for assistance.
Youth Workforce Connect Conference — Presented by the Delaware Department of Labor’s Office of Wage & Hour Enforcement, this in-person event on January 22, 2026 (11 AM–4 PM) at the Route 9 Library & Innovation Center in New Castle, DE gathers educators, employers, state agencies, and community partners. The conference will feature presentations from apprenticeship, vocational rehabilitation, and innovation offices; launch a new “Hire Me” spring event series; debut an AI-powered child labor awareness video; and offer networking, workforce-readiness updates, and resources.
Join the Delaware Advisory Council on Career and Technical Education (DACCTE) and the Department of Education (DOE) for the State CTE Professional Development Nights series. The next virtual session begins at 3:30-5:30 pm. and offers timely, relevant training for CTE educators and leaders statewide. Register through PDMS Course #43680, Section #89556. For more information, contact Ann Breeding at ann.breeding@delaware.gov.
Equity in Career & Technical Education (CTE) requires an inclusive environment that advances empowerment and belonging for both the learner and educator. Students’ circumstances and personal/social identifiers shall not restrict their access to the full variety of academic and career opportunities, enriching experiences, and meaningful relationships that support attainment of their individual career and life goals.
Delaware Department of Education - Pathways Program, 401 Federal Street, Suite 2, Dover, DE 19901
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