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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Career Pathways Programs Have Huge Bipartisan Support. D.C. Should Get on Board
The 74Million, April 22 — Delaware’s Office of CTE/STEM is recognized for delivering relevant, rigorous career pathways through collaborative five-year reviews with educators, students, and employers. This process ensures alignment with student and workforce needs. The office uses data to guide program and funding decisions, including expanding access for students with disabilities. Through ongoing review and improvement, the Office builds inclusive, responsive programs. For more information, contact Dr. Jonathan Wickert at Jonathan.Wickert@doe.k12.de.us.
'An Amazing Group of Young Leaders' IR Earns State Awards in TSA, Including Advisor of the Year!
Indian River High School’s Technology Student Association (TSA) students showcased outstanding leadership, creativity, and technical skill at the Delaware TSA State Leadership Conference, earning top awards in events ranging from biotechnology design to public speaking. With many now qualified for nationals in June, they’re fundraising to ensure every student can attend. Advisor Gerald Sheridan, honored as Advisor of the Year, credits his students’ drive, resilience, and community spirit for the program’s success. For more information contact mike.fitzgerald@doe.k12.de.us.
Delaware CTE Students Named U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalists!
Five exceptional students named as semifinalists in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program for Career and Technical Education, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school seniors. Their selection reflects the strength of Delaware’s CTE pathways in preparing students for high-wage, high-demand careers. Honorees include Conner Jackson, Isha Prasad Kanchana, and Michelle Zhou from Newark Charter School; Chuiyee Kong from Caesar Rodney High School; and Arnav Taduvayi from Odyssey Charter School. Their achievements highlight the excellence of Delaware’s CTE programs and the incredible talent of our future workforce.
National Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6–10. Celebrate the educators who make a lasting impact! National Teacher Appreciation Week is a time to recognize the dedication and influence of teachers in our schools and communities.
Building Delaware’s Future Through Middle Grades Career Exploration
On April 7-11, 2025 the Office of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in partnership with Rodel led school visits and a Community of Practice to advance Delaware’s Rethinking Middle Grades CTE initiative. Educators and students from Appoquinimink, Capital, Colonial, Red Clay, Milford, Las Americas Aspira Academy, BASSE, Kuumba, and Odyssey participated. Outcomes included deeper alignment to CTE exploration standards, expanded district collaboration, planning for sustainability and examination of students’ experiences to inform future programming. Contact Denise Purnell-Cuff at Denise.Purnell-Cuff@doe.k12.de.us for more information.
DETSA Contractor Opportunities for 2025–26
The Delaware Technology Student Association www.detsa.org (DETSA) is seeking experienced educators or community members to serve in contractor roles for the 2025–26 school year. Positions include assistant state advisors and contest coordinators. Most work is flexible and remote. Apply by April 30 with a resume and letter of interest to Mike.Fitzgerald@doe.k12.de.us.
The 2025 Tech Ecosystem Conference is planned for May 20. Wilmington residents ages 18–24 who are under/unemployed and not enrolled in school or training are invited to this free one-day event. Hosted by the Tech Council of Delaware, the day features speakers, panels, workshops, networking, and more.
Held at the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science in Wilmington May 21 from 9am –1pm this fair connects STEAM professionals with students and teachers. Learn about career pathways, salaries, local opportunities, and required coursework.
Brandywine School District juniors and seniors April 29 from 7:30–9:00 am and April 30 from 12:45–2:15 pm will present their engineering projects to evaluators from UD, DelTech, Delaware Skills Center, and companies like Agilent, DuPont, and Boeing. Attend the in-person or Zoom gallery walk/poster session at Concord High School.
The Office of CTE and STEM Initiatives is supporting seniors in their transition beyond high school, including preparation for the National Day of Signing on May 6 in Dover. In partnership with Higher Education, Early Learning, and Educator Excellence, we’re helping students access scholarships and funding. We are requesting that Seniors review the State Support Scholarship and complete the Teacher Academy Senior Exit Survey by April 15th to ensure the proper supports and participation in our National Day of Signing. For more information contact Dr. Michael Hill-Shaner at Michael.Hill-Shaner@doe.k12.de.us.
Grand Prize: A full 4-year scholarship presented as the President’s Emerging Storyteller Award!
Wilmington University and the Wilmington International Film Festival invite rising sophomores and juniors to submit original films for a chance to win a full four-year scholarship. Selected students will join the Young Filmmakers Summer Workshop, gaining hands-on experience with professional equipment and mentorship. Applications open April 1, 2025; submissions due by May 1, 2025. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity! For more information contact Timothy Day at timothy.c.day@wilmu.edu.
Delaware high school students can enter a video contest promoting organ and tissue donation for a chance to win up to $1,000 in scholarship money. Submit a creative and accurate one-to-two-minute Public Service Announcement by April 30, 2025. Inspire others to become organ donors and help save lives! Learn more or submit at OrganDonorVidsDE.com.
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! Learn more at www.donorschoose.org.
Save the Date: 11th Annual STEM Educator Awards, November 13, 2025. Celebrate Delaware’s top STEM educators during a live Zoom broadcast from Buena Vista in New Castle. Hosted by the Delaware STEM Council and DFSME, the event honors excellence in K–12, community, and STEAM team categories. To learn more or to download the 2025 application visit: https://www.dfsme.org/stem-educator-awards/.
The National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) is the premier honor society for Career & Technical Education (CTE), recognizing excellence since 1984. With over 1.2 million members, NTHS supports students through career development, leadership, service, and recognition. Partnering with organizations like SkillsUSA, HOSA, BPA, FCCLA, DECA, and TSA and others. NTHS enhances opportunities for CTE students. It has awarded over $3 million in scholarships, helping members pursue college, technical training, or careers in high-demand fields. Visit https://nths.org/contact-nths/ to learn how to bring NTHS to your school!
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.
Onshape Certification: Flexible Professional Learning for Educators
ITEEA’s STEM Center for Teaching and Learning offers three flexible ways to become Onshape Certified: a 5-day live online course, an 8-week live online option, or an asynchronous self-paced format. Each hands-on course includes 40 professional learning hours, a certificate of completion, and a free exam voucher. Register for the 8-week course by April 30 and use promo code cad8week to save 20%.
Bring real-world problem-solving to your STEM program with The Smart Servo Project. These spring and summer workshops equip educators with ready-to-use resources in human-centered design and assistive technology. Empower students to build community solutions while mastering engineering skills. Explore free curriculum and schedule your workshop today at https://wagnerlabs.net/SmartServo/. For more details contact Dr. Jud Wagner at judson@wagnerlabs.net.
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
