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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February 2026 is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in Delaware, as proclaimed by the General Assembly, recognizing CTE’s vital role in strengthening our workforce and preparing learners for high-demand, high-skill careers. Across the state, CTE programs connect students to real-world opportunities through technical training, industry-recognized credentials, and work-based learning with employer partners. Offered in districts and career-technical schools statewide, these programs build a strong, future-ready talent pipeline aligned with labor market needs and encourage educators, industry leaders, and communities to actively support CTE and workforce development.
February CTE Month Poster Contest Winner Announced!
February is CTE month and the Delaware Advisory Council on Career and Technical Education (DACCTE), in partnership with the Department of Labor and Department of Education, hosted a CTE poster contest to celebrate Career and Technical Education Month. Maya Zhao from MOT Charter High School earned first place with their inspiring design, "Turn your Passion into a Profession," which will be featured on social media throughout February. Congratulations to the top winners from MOT Charter High School and Cape Henlopen High School. For more information about DACCTE visit daccte.delaware.gov or contact Caitlin Rozell at caitlin.rozell@delaware.gov.
Scaling What Works: Delaware’s Ten-Year CTE Pathways Story
In Scaling What Works: Lessons on Creating a Career-Connected Learning Ecosystem From Four Leading States (Bellwether, December 2025), Delaware Career and Technical Education (CTE) is highlighted for its decade-long effort to build a coherent, statewide career-connected learning ecosystem through Delaware Pathways. The model intentionally connects middle school career awareness with high school Programs of Study, work-based learning, and credential attainment to support informed decision-making and long-term workforce readiness. By braiding federal, state, and philanthropic resources and emphasizing cross-agency coordination, Delaware has scaled high-quality programs statewide while maintaining fiscal responsibility. A formal approval process ensures consistent rigor and outcomes, supporting workforce growth, economic mobility, and opportunity for Delaware students.
Career Readiness and Student-Centered Learning - Feb 10
On February 10, 2026, from 1–2 PM EST, Dr. Jon Wickert, Director of the Office of CTE and STEM Initiatives, will serve as a featured panelist in a multi-state webinar hosted by KnowledgeWorks with Advance CTE and Education Commission of the States. He will present Delaware’s career-connected, student-centered CTE strategy, highlighting high-quality pathway alignment, cross-sector partnerships, and coordinated policy and funding approaches that expand workforce-ready opportunities for learners statewide.
Embedding Environmental Literacy in Delaware CTE: Early Implementation Findings
Embedding environmental literacy into Career and Technical Education in Delaware demonstrates how cross-sector collaboration strengthens career-connected learning and talent pipeline development. Led by the Delaware Department of Education with support from Advance CTE and MDRC, the pilot integrated sustainability competencies into multiple CTE pathways through teacher-designed instruction and applied student projects. Early findings show increased student engagement, real-world skill building, and scalable, standards-aligned approaches that expand equitable access to workforce-aligned pathway experiences statewide. For more information, contact Dr. Denise Purnell-Cuff at Denise.Purnell-Cuff@doe.k12.de.us or Sarah Bell Sarah.Bell@doe.k12.de.us.
Building Tomorrow’s Leaders: Delaware TSA Winter Leadership Lunch 2026
Delaware Technology Student Association (DETSA) hosted their annual Winter Leadership Lunch on January 24, 2026 at the John W. Collette Education Resource Center in Dover. The meeting focused on developing confident, prepared student leaders ready to serve their chapters and TSA. Nearly 20 student leaders representing Caesar Rodney High School, Newark Charter School, MOT Charter School, Appoquinimink High School, and Indian River High School came together to strengthen collaboration and leadership skills. Through guided discussions and hands-on activities, students explored responsibility, teamwork, and communication, reinforcing what it means to lead with purpose, integrity, and commitment within their schools and the broader TSA community.
Delaware FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Competition - Feb 7
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics in Delaware will host a series of public events over the next month celebrating innovation and student achievement. On Saturday, February 7, FTC will host a joint event with FIRST LEGO League at Delaware State University. Delaware’s FTC program has grown 62% over the past two seasons and earned national and global recognition, including a recent Dean’s List award—one of only ten worldwide. To learn how students can get involved, contact deftc@midatlanticrobotics.com
JA Career Exploration Workshop offers $100 Stipend — April 15, 2026
Junior Achievement of Delaware invites young adults to participate in a Career Exploration Workshop on April 15. Join a free, interactive Career Exploration Workshop for young adults ages 18–25 exploring career options and next steps. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, build career readiness skills, and connect with employers from diverse industries. Attendees will gain real-world insight, confidence, and guidance to move toward meaningful employment. A $100 stipend is provided for full participation.
CTE Leadership Cadre Spring Convening: March 10, 2026
CTE directors, school leaders, and pathways partners are invited to the spring CTE Leadership Cadre convening on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Duck Creek Library–Smyrna. Please register in PDMS Course 24244, Section 90516. This session will foster collaboration to advance CTE initiatives and strengthen statewide leadership.
Teachers invited to apply: Teacher STEAM Innovator Institute
Teachers are invited to apply to spend two weeks in Washington, DC this summer as part of the Teacher Innovator Institute. This free professional learning experience brings educators together with education and STEAM experts to explore the connections between informal STEAM education and authentic, real-world learning.
Lawmakers Release Compromise FY 2026 Federal Funding Bill
If it advances through the federal budget process, Advance CTE reports that the FY 2026 appropriations proposal maintains level funding for key education and workforce programs, including Career and Technical Education. The proposal preserves funding for the Perkins State Grant, supporting program continuity for states and local recipients as agencies plan for the upcoming year during continued congressional budget deliberations and related implementation and reporting requirements across federal programs.
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.
Career Exploration Video Library: Real People, Real Jobs, Real Pathways
Teachers and families can help learners explore career profiles, discover in-demand skills, and see how professionals create impact every day. Access dozens of free videos highlighting careers across education, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, digital technology, supply chain, financial services, and more!
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.
Nominate a STEM formal, informal, or community educator who inspires curiosity and innovation for the Shining Light Award! This honor celebrates those who go above and beyond to ignite students’ passion for science, technology, engineering, and math. Awardees receive a commemorative plaque, a $100 gift card, and a heavy-duty Maglite flashlight symbolizing the light they bring to learning.
DFSME Mini Grants Support Innovative STEM Classrooms Across Delaware
The Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education (DFSME) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting K–12 STEM education in Delaware. DFSME offers Mini Grants of about $100–$500 to help teachers fund innovative classroom projects not covered by district budgets. These quick-turnaround grants support materials, activities, technology, and professional development. DFSME also provides larger Seed Grants and awards to recognize outstanding STEM educators, helping inspire students for future workforce success.
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.
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.
Engineering Your Tomorrow: A Career Day for Girls (Grades 6–8) Feb 28
Engineering Your Tomorrow is a free, hands-on career exploration event for girls in grades 6–8, held Saturday, February 28, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Conrad Schools of Science. Students will engage in lab activities, test hypotheses, and explore engineering and science careers alongside professionals. Workshops, demonstrations, and parent sessions are included. Lunch provided. Registration is free thanks to generous sponsors.
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 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.
CTE Professional Learning and CTSO Event Calendar
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.
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!
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.
DACCTE Professional Development - March 31, 2026
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
