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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Navigating Delaware Pathways: An Education and Workforce Development Summit
The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s The Partnership, Inc. proudly presents the 2nd annual Navigating Delaware Pathways: An Education and Workforce Development Summit on April 29, 2025, at Bally’s in Dover. This full-day event brings together Career and Technical Education (CTE) educators, employers, and higher education leaders to explore innovative strategies for aligning education with workforce needs. Attendees will engage in interactive sessions, networking opportunities, and discussions on talent acquisition, training, and retention. The summit also features the Superstars in Education and Training awards, recognizing outstanding workforce development programs. Join us as we collaborate to shape Delaware’s future, ensuring education meets the demands of tomorrow’s workforce. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Helana Rodriguez at hrodriguez@dscc.com for more information.
Delaware Business Professionals of America (BPA) is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to assist with our State Leadership Conference by reviewing projects and judging presentations. The Middle Level Conference will be held on February 5, 2025, and the Secondary Level Conference on February 6, 2025, both hosted at Bally’s Dover Casino Resort, in Dover, DE. Join us in supporting some of Delaware’s most outstanding young leaders as they showcase their talents and compete for a chance to advance to the National Leadership Conference in Orlando, FL. Your involvement is invaluable to the success of this event!
Delaware Leads Nation in Transforming CTE Pathways
Delaware’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs were recently recognized nationally for impactful, sustainable pathways. Featured in Bellwether’s Pathways to Implementation series, Delaware demonstrates leadership in Design; Stakeholder Engagement; Resources; and Continuous Improvement. Through innovative funding strategies, alignment with workforce needs, and equitable access, Delaware’s holistic approach prepares students for success. Leveraging collaboration with key stakeholders, Delaware has become a national model for transforming CTE programs and advancing education-to-career transitions. For more information contact Dr. Jonathan Wickert at Jonathan.Wickert@doe.k12.de.us.
Delaware CTE Unites Stakeholders to Build Future Workforce
Delaware’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs were recently recognized nationally for their impactful pathways, driven by exemplary stakeholder engagement. Featured in Bellwether’s Pathways to Implementation series, Delaware demonstrates leadership by fostering collaboration with partners in the building and maintaining of Pathways. By bridging education and industry, Delaware ensures students graduate with credentials aligned to workforce demands. Prioritizing trust and sustained relationships, the state sets a national standard for effective career pathway implementation. For more information, contact Dr. Jonathan Wickert at Jonathan.Wickert@doe.k12.de.us.
Revolutionary Design for Future-Ready Workforce - Delaware’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs were recently recognized nationally for impactful, sustainable pathways. Featured in Bellwether’s Pathways to Implementation series, Delaware is identified as a leader in Design, with clearly established requirements for programs that emphasizes workforce alignment and student success through rigorous program requirements, streamlined articulation agreements, and integration of labor market data. Its collaborative approach fosters innovative, equitable pathways, preparing students with credentials of value for high-demand fields. For more information, contact Dr. Jonathan Wickert at Jonathan.Wickert@doe.k12.de.us.
Bellwether highlights Delaware’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs were recently recognized as a national leader in resource alignment and innovation. By leveraging federal, state, and private funding, Delaware sustains programs that meet workforce needs while expanding access and introducing advanced technologies. Strategic use of Perkins funds enables seamless student transitions, equitable credit for prior learning, and career-ready credentials. Delaware’s approach to resource management drives economic success and positions the state as a model for transforming education into workforce solutions. For more information, contact Dr. Jonathan Wickert at Jonathan.Wickert@doe.k12.de.us.
Workforce Pipeline Advances Through Continuous Improvement
Delaware’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs were recently recognized nationally for their innovative, sustainable pathways. Through policy for five-year review cycles, Delaware ensures alignment with labor market demands, addressing equity gaps and enhancing workforce readiness. Featured in Bellwether’s Pathways to Implementation series, Delaware’s policy in continuous improvement is exemplified by leveraging stakeholder input and data-driven decisions to refine programs. This holistic approach ensures students receive high-quality training and credentials for evolving industry needs. For more information, contact Dr. Jonathan Wickert at Jonathan.Wickert@doe.k12.de.us.
The Delaware Advisory Council on Career and Technical Education (DACCTE) invites nominations for its 2025 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, public, or education sector; and an exceptional 12th-grade CTE student (one per high school). Please encourage all appropriate CTE personnel to participate by submitting nominations electronically by February 20, 2025. Check out the DACCTE website for nomination forms and for questions, contact Ann Breeding at ann.breeding@delaware.gov.
Join the Navy and Marine Corps Homecoming 250th Celebration in October and November 2025, commemorating 250 years of service. Engage students through exciting STEAM competitions, ship tours, museum programs, school visits by veterans, and participation in the grand parade. This once-in-a-lifetime event connects students to history, civics, and STEAM fields while fostering patriotism and inspiring future careers. Schools can select tailored activities for all grade levels. Don’t miss this opportunity — register by February 28, 2025.
The Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education (DFSME) is excited to offer Mini-Grants designed to empower educators in creating innovative STEM learning experiences. These grants aim to support projects that spark creativity, boost student engagement, and encourage hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Open to educators throughout Delaware, DFSME Mini-Grants provide funding for classroom resources, professional development, and collaborative initiatives. Educators with a passion for fostering critical thinking and preparing students for success in a STEM-focused world are encouraged to apply. For questions or more information contact anne.dfsme@gmail.com.
DFSME Seed Grants offer funding between $1,000 and $5,000 to support innovative STEM/STEAM programs aligned with standards-based education in Delaware. These grants aim to launch new initiatives or expand successful programs to reach new populations or areas. Preference is given to research-driven projects with measurable outcomes and the potential for scalability. Eligible uses for funding include pilot programs, professional development, and curriculum development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. For more information, visit DFSME’s website or contact anne.dfsme@gmail.com with the subject line “Seed Grant Query.”
The “Shining Light Award” from the Delaware Foundation for Science & Mathematics Education (DFSME) celebrates exceptional STEM educators across formal, informal, and community settings. These educators inspire students to become informed citizens, problem-solvers, and global workforce leaders. Honorees receive a $100 gift card and a mini mag flashlight. Nominate a deserving Delaware STEM educator by completing the DFSME Shining Light Nomination Form and emailing it to Michelle Kutch Michelle.Kutch@bsd.k12.de.us and Steve Schwartz drses48@aol.com today!
The Jon Manon STEAM Team Education Award, presented by the Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education (DFSME), celebrates teacher teams who achieve extraordinary outcomes through collaborative planning and execution. This prestigious annual award recognizes outstanding teamwork, interdisciplinary activities supported by school administration, and innovative opportunities for students. Winning teams are awarded a $1,000 cash prize to support STEAM projects and are honored at school, district, and state levels for their contributions to advancing STEAM education and preparing students for success in Delaware’s STEM workforce. For more information about submitting or nominating a project, please contact Randy Guschl at guschlrj@gmail.com.
The Delaware STEM Educator Awards celebrate outstanding educators at the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels for their excellence in STEM teaching, collaboration, and student engagement. Open to both certified and non-traditional educators working with P-12 students, these awards honor impactful, scalable programs that align with the goals of the Delaware STEM Council. Award winners can receive up to $7,500 in recognition of their significant contributions to STEM education. Applications will reopen in Spring 2025. For more information, visit the DE STEM Council website or email delawareSTEMawards@gmail.com.
KnoPro, powered by NAF, offers free virtual work-based learning challenges for high school students, focused on developing future-ready skills and competing for cash prizes. The 2025 lineup includes a Social Entrepreneurship Challenge (Jan 21–Feb 21) with $10,000 in prizes, encouraging innovative solutions to social issues, followed by Cybersecurity (Feb 2025) and Technology (Mar 2025) challenges. Solo or team participation is welcome. Explore engaging opportunities for your students to learn, create, and achieve!
The Delaware FFA Vision Leadership Conference will be held on February 6, 2025, at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover, DE. Designed for 9th-11th grade FFA members, the event features leadership workshops led by Delaware FFA State Officers, focusing on teamwork and preparing students for roles like chapter officer or committee chair. Sponsored by Corteva, this conference provides vital support for emerging FFA leaders. Contact Dr. Bart Gill at bart.gill@doe.k12.de.us for details.
Registration is open for the Middle School HOSA 2025 State Leadership Conference (SLC) on February 19, 2025, at Wilmington University - Dover Campus. This event features competitions like Health Care Exploration, Health Education, and Medical Reading and Terminology, offering students opportunities to connect with peers and explore health care careers. Registration closes February 10, and uploads for select events are due February 3. Visit delawarehosa.org for details or contact Rozie Townsend at Rozie.Townsend@doe.k12.de.us.
Registration is now open for the Delaware Technology Student Association (DETSA) 2025 State Leadership Conference (SLC), taking place April 8–9, 2025, at Clayton Hall, University of Delaware. This highly anticipated event will feature competitive STEM contests, inspiring workshops, and opportunities to connect with peers, culminating in an awards ceremony celebrating student achievements. Virtual contests will run from November 2024 to February 2025, with live contests scheduled for April 2025. Visit www.DETSA.org for updates and registration details. Contact Mike Fitzgerald at mike.fitzgerald@doe.k12.de.us for assistance.
DACCTE Announce State CTE Professional Development Night
Join the Delaware Advisory Council on Career and Technical Education (DACCTE) and DOE for the State CTE Professional Development Night on March 27, 2025 (4:30 PM–6:30 PM; Location/Format TBA). This session (PDMS Course #43017, Section #87357) invites CTE educators and cadre members to collaborate and shape the future of career and technical education in Delaware. For details, contact Ann Breeding at ann.breeding@delaware.gov. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to connect and inspire!
DACCTE Shares Advisory Committee Resources
On December 5, 2024, the Delaware Advisory Council on Career and Technical Education (DACCTE) hosted a professional development session titled Bringing New Life to Local Advisory Committees. This event focused on the importance of Local Advisory Committees (LACs) and provided participants with actionable steps to establish or revitalize their committees. A comprehensive collection of resources from the session is available on the DACCTE website. For additional information or inquiries, please 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
