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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High School Seniors: Don’t Miss Out on FAFSA Support!
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is now open! Completing it is your key to grants, scholarships, work-study, and low-interest loans. Need help? Delaware offers FREE one-on-one FAFSA assistance for high school seniors. Don’t wait—Stand By Me is here to guide you through the financial aid process. Take the first step toward your future now! Schedule your session today at https://uwde.org/fafsa/.
On January 29-30, Delaware DECA’s Career Development Conference (CDC) welcomed 370+ students to compete in business challenges, leadership training, and networking. Participants tackled role-plays, case studies, and business plans judged by professionals. Top competitors advanced to the International Career Development Conference in Orlando this April. Learn more: delawaredeca.org or contact Andrea Keen Andrea.Keen@doe.k12.de.us.
A record 42 Cape Henlopen students competed at the DECA Delaware Career Development Conference on Jan. 29-30 at the University of Delaware, earning top placements in marketing and business events. Students networked, competed, and attended industry-led workshops. Top performers qualified for the international conference in Orlando this April. Senior Krish Prattipati credits DECA for boosting his public speaking skills.
Delaware TSA to Host STEM Day for Young Innovators!
Delaware’s Technology Student Association (TSA) is hosting a STEM Day at Dover Public Library on Saturday, March 15, from 1-4 PM. Students in grades 3-5 will explore hands-on STEM activities led by TSA student volunteers, rotating through four interactive stations focused on electronics, problem-solving, and teamwork. Questions? Contact Mike Fitzgerald at mike.fitzgerald@doe.k12.de.us.
Delaware CTE Featured in National Conversation on Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Policy
Delaware’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are expanding Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) to help adult learners earn credit for work experience, military service, and non-traditional learning. Dr. Jon Wickert recently shared Delaware’s CPL policy framework with the American Council on Education (ACE). Learn more: Contact Dr. Jon Wickert at jonathan.wickert@doe.k12.de.us.
The U.S. Department of Education has released new guidance on Information College Request (ICR) shifts related to the Perkins V State Plan and Consolidated Annual Report, clarifying potential impacts on state and local implementation. While the changes will not immediately affect Local Education Agencies (LEAs), Delaware will continue efforts to develop shared definitions in partnership with the Delaware Workforce Development Board, as the state operates under a Combined WIOA/Perkins framework. Additionally, federal officials have confirmed that planned updates to Career Clusters Modernization will move forward as expected. Stakeholders will be kept informed as further details emerge. For questions, please contact Dr. Jon Wickert at Jonathan.Wickert@doe.k12.de.us.
Advance CTE Monitors Executive Actions on Perkins Funding
Advance CTE is tracking executive actions affecting Perkins funding. A White House directive temporarily paused federal aid, causing confusion over education and workforce grants. While Perkins V funds remained largely unaffected, a federal court halted the directive, which was later rescinded. A broader funding review continues. Updates can be found at https://careertech.org/.
Office of CTE Partners for Pilot Project with Silver Lake Treatment Center
The Office of CTE, DSCYF, and NAPE are piloting the PIPEline Project for Equity at Silver Lake Treatment Center. This initiative provides CTE students with leadership and equity training, fostering research and collaboration to improve IEP student access. Participants earn Work-Based Learning credit, stipends, and contribute to equity efforts.
Launch: Jan. 27, 2025
Showcase: May 14, 2025.
Contact Chiara.Fox@delaware.gov or Orrin.White@doe.k12.de.us for more details.
Delaware Tech High School Architectural Drafting Competition
Delaware Technical Community College is excited to relaunch the High School Architectural Drafting Competition! Schools are invited to participate and showcase students’ talents and creativity in architectural design. Don’t miss this opportunity! For details on how to get involved, contact Steve Cannon at scanno10@dtcc.edu.
Grants
Learning for Careers (LAB25001R-LFC): Expanding Workforce Opportunities for Youth and Adults
The Delaware Workforce Development Board, in partnership with the Delaware Department of Labor and Delaware Department of Education, is seeking applicants for funding to expand employer engagement in student education, training, and employment programs. The initiative supports paid work experiences for youth and adult learners in high-demand fields, including internships, apprenticeships, clinical experiences, and cooperative education. Funding will enhance youth employment programs and work-based learning.
DonorsChoose Helps Bring Classroom Projects To Life
DonorsChoose empowers public school teachers by connecting them with donors to fund classroom projects, from supplies and technology to field trips. Since 2000, it has supported millions of students, fostering innovation, equity, and opportunity in education. Join the movement!
The Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education (DFSME) is offering Mini-Grants to support innovative STEM learning experiences. Open to Delaware educators, these grants fund classroom resources, professional development, and hands-on projects that boost student engagement. Apply today to inspire creativity and critical thinking! For more information, contact anne.dfsme@gmail.com.
DFSME Seed Grants provide $1,000–$5,000 to support standards-based STEM/STEAM initiatives in Delaware. Funding helps launch new programs, expand successful ones, and reach new populations. Preference is given to research-driven projects with measurable impact. Grants support pilot programs, curriculum development, and professional learning. Rolling applications until funds are exhausted. To learn more, visit DFSME’s website or email anne.dfsme@gmail.com (Subject: "Seed Grant Query").
The HFT Prize for Teaching Excellence honors K-12 educators who innovate, inspire, and transform classrooms. Winners receive $20,000 plus $5,000 for their school to enhance student impact. Applications open March 4 – May 2, 2025—showcase your achievements and gain recognition! Learn more and apply at hftforschools.org.
The NEED Project awards $1,500 annually to students demonstrating exceptional energy leadership, knowledge, and a passion for energy or education careers. This scholarship supports tuition and expenses for future studies. Applications are due by April 30, 2025.
The DFSME Shining Light Award honors outstanding STEM educators in formal, informal, and community settings who inspire students as problem-solvers and future leaders. Winners receive a $100 gift card and mini mag flashlight. Nominate a deserving educator by submitting the DFSME Shining Light Nomination Form to Michelle.Kutch@bsd.k12.de.us and drses48@aol.com today!
The Jon Manon STEAM Team Education Award, presented by DFSME, honors teacher teams achieving extraordinary outcomes through collaboration and innovation. Winners receive a $1,000 cash prize to support STEAM projects and are recognized at school, district, and state levels. To submit or nominate a project, contact Randy Guschl at guschlrj@gmail.com.
The Delaware STEM Educator Awards honor outstanding P-12 educators for excellence in STEM teaching, collaboration, and student engagement. Open to certified and non-traditional educators, winners receive up to $7,500 for impactful, scalable programs. Applications reopen in Spring 2025. To learn more, visit the DE STEM Council website or email delawareSTEMawards@gmail.com.
Join us on April 10, 2025, from 9 AM – 2 PM at UD’s Clayton Hall for STEM Goes Red! Hosted by the American Heart Association, this event connects 7th–10th grade girls with hands-on STEM workshops, women leaders’ panels, and mentorship opportunities. Contact Adam Miller adam.miller@heart.org for details!
Join us on March 5, 2025, from 12:00–3:30 PM at Wilmington University (Dover) for the next CTE Director Cadre Meeting. This session will provide guidance on Perkins V, foster collaboration across secondary, postsecondary, and industry partners, and include policy discussions, statewide updates, and networking. Register in PDMS (Course #42938, Section #87242).
Check-in: 11:30–11:45 AM.
Contact: Dr. Jon Wickert at Jonathan.Wickert@doe.k12.de.us.
DACCTE Professional Development Night - March 25, 2025
Join DACCTE and DOE for State CTE Professional Development Night on March 27, 2025, from 3:30–5:30 PM (Virtual Meeting). This collaborative session (PDMS Course #43017, Section #87357) will focus on advocating for your CTE program. CTE educators and cadre members are encouraged to participate. For details, contact Ann Breeding at ann.breeding@delaware.gov.
Navigating Delaware Pathways: An Education and Workforce Development Summit - April 29
The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s The Partnership, Inc. presents the 2nd annual Navigating Delaware Pathways Summit on April 29, 2025, at Bally’s in Dover. This full-day event unites CTE educators, employers, and higher education leaders to discuss talent acquisition, training, and workforce alignment. Highlights include interactive sessions, networking, and the Superstars in Education and Training awards. Sponsorships available. Contact Helana Rodriguez at hrodriguez@dscc.com for more information.
Join us on May 7, 2025, from 12:00–3:30 PM at Wilmington University (Dover) for the next CTE Director Cadre Meeting. This session will provide guidance on Perkins V, foster collaboration across secondary, postsecondary, and industry partners, and include policy discussions, statewide updates, and networking. Register in PDMS (Course #42939, Section #87241). Check-in: 11:30–11:45 AM. The meeting begins promptly at 12:00 PM. For questions, contact Dr. Jon Wickert at Jonathan.Wickert@doe.k12.de.us.
SREB Literacy in CTE Training - June 16–18, 2025
Join SREB’s Literacy in CTE three-day training, hosted by the Office of CTE and STEM Initiatives in partnership with Capital School District, on June 16–18, 2025. This hands-on training strengthens Perkins 2S1 proficiency, helps educators integrate literacy into CTE, and develops project-based lessons aligned with workforce needs. Limited to 40 participants. Register in PDMS (Course #43409, Section #88656) for up to 25 professional learning hours. Questions? Contact mike.fitzgerald@doe.k12.de.us.
SREB Math in CTE Training - June 16–18, 2025
Join SREB’s Math in CTE three-day training, hosted by the Office of CTE and STEM Initiatives in partnership with Capital School District, on June 16–18, 2025. This hands-on training strengthens Perkins 2S2 proficiency, helping educators integrate math into CTE, enhance problem-solving skills, and develop project-based applications. Limited to 40 participants. Register in PDMS (Course #43410, Section #88657) for up to 25 professional learning hours. Questions? Contact mike.fitzgerald@doe.k12.de.us.
Explore Microelectronics & Cybersecurity: Hands-On Learning for Students, Parents, and Teachers at UD!
The University of Delaware’s CCAP is launching an NSF CyberCorps-funded initiative to engage students, parents, and teachers in microelectronics and cybersecurity. Events include Microelectronics Week, a Security Competition, and Community Science Days. A week-long summer program for 20 Delaware teachers offers hands-on projects and a $2K stipend. Contact: cybersecurity-info@udel.edu.
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
