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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Michael Hill-Shaner, an Education Associate in the Office of CTE & STEM, was recognized among Delaware’s Most Influential People in Education 2025 for his leadership in Delaware’s Teacher Academy and Educators Rising programs. With 28 years in education, he strengthens the educator pipeline, expands opportunities for future teachers, and drives statewide initiatives to support student and teacher development. Congratulate Dr. Hill-Shaner at Michael.Hill-Shaner@doe.k12.de.us.
Executive Order #1: Youth Apprenticeship Working Group Met
DDOE hosted the first convening in response to Executive Order #1, promoting the expansion of registered apprenticeship opportunities in state agencies. Participants received an overview of work-based learning, Registered Apprenticeship, and existing activities in Delaware State Parks. The second convening is scheduled for March 10 and will focus on barriers and opportunities for state agencies and supports needed for schools. The final convening will take place on March 25 to review the draft report and recommendations. The final report is anticipated to be submitted on March 31.
Luke Rhine joins Rodel as vice president, leading career pathways and postsecondary success initiatives. Previously, he held leadership roles at the U.S. and Delaware Departments of Education, advancing policies that connect education, workforce, and economic mobility. Rhine played a key role in expanding Delaware Pathways, aligning education with industry needs. His expertise will support Rodel’s mission to enhance student opportunities, strengthen workforce connections, and ensure equitable access to career and technical education.
Powering Delaware’s Clean Energy & Climate Workforce
A recent report highlighted Delaware’s workforce development system, recognizing the coordination, collaboration, and high-quality programs driving success. The Office of Career and Technical Education & STEM Initiatives, comprehensive high schools, vo-tech districts, the Delaware Workforce Development Board (DWDB), employers, and industry partners are preparing students for clean energy and climate careers. With exceptional CTE programs, hands-on training, and industry-aligned apprenticeships, Delaware is expanding opportunities, closing workforce gaps, and building a pipeline of skilled professionals to lead the state’s clean energy future. For more information contact Dr. Jon Wickert Jonathan.Wickert@doe.k12.de.us.
Delaware ProStart Students to Showcase Culinary Skills
The 12th Annual Delaware ProStart Student Invitational, hosted by the Delaware Restaurant Foundation, highlights Career & Technical Education (CTE) and STEM in hospitality and culinary arts. Was hosted on March 12 at the Chase Center, the event will showcase 13 high school teams applying industry-aligned skills in culinary and restaurant management. Winners advance to the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore. The event also features SkillsUSA competitions and a CTE-focused resource expo connecting students with career pathways. For more information please contact Dr. Hill-Shaner at Michael.Hill-Shaner@doe.k12.de.us.
The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and The Partnership, Inc. will honor top CTE programs with the Superstars in Education and Training awards at the Navigating Delaware Pathways Summit on April 29 at Bally’s Dover. MOT Charter’s Career and College Ready Capstone Program immerses students in hands-on CTE experiences, developing leadership, teamwork, and project management skills. Students apply industry knowledge to real-world projects and present to professionals. For more information contact Roger Seedorf at Roger.Seedorf@mot.k12.de.us.
FFA Members Strengthen Leadership and Career Readiness
On February 26, over 150 Delaware FFA high school members attended the Vision Leadership Conference at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover. Sponsored by Corteva, the event emphasized leadership development and career readiness through workshops on Emotional Intelligence, Building Meaningful Connections, and Overcoming Challenges. These skills are essential for success in Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways and future workforce opportunities. For more information, contact Dr. Bart Gill at bart.gill@doe.k12.de.us.
Empowering Girls: CTE Pathways Open Doors for Women in STEM
At the Engineering Your Tomorrow event on February 24, 2025, nearly 100 middle school girls explored STEM through hands-on activities and mentorship. Delaware TSA students Sophia Pinto, Lia Henderson, Hannah Abad, Ella Wharry, and Teniola Obasubomi, highlighted how Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways provide opportunities for young women in STEM. Their presentation covered Delaware Pathways, leadership and mentorship in Delaware TSA, and how CTE programs prepare students for future careers through industry-aligned skills, certifications, and real-world experiences. For more information, contact Roger Seedorf at Roger.Seedorf@mot.k12.de.us.
Advance CTE Releases 2024 Annual Report: Celebrating Progress and Innovation in CTE
Advance CTE proudly announces the release of its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting key achievements in modernizing the National Career Clusters® Framework, advocating for Perkins V funding, and strengthening CTE leadership nationwide. This report reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing high-quality career pathways and supporting CTE leaders. Read the report to celebrate our collective impact and continued progress in CTE!
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/.
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.
DACCTE Professional Development Night - March 27, 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
