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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New Information
Join the CTE/STEM Workgroup in Welcoming Rozie Townsend
We are pleased to welcome Rozie Townsend as the new Education Associate for Health Sciences and Program Quality Lead in the Career and Technical Education CTE/STEM Workgroup. In this role, Rozie will lead the Health Science and Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security career clusters and HOSA. She will also integrate Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) into state-approved CTE programs and enhance student voice in industry-aligned coursework. With over 20 years of experience in research and education, Rozie previously served as Teacher of Curriculum and Educational Diagnostician in the Adult and Prison Education Workgroup. A Delaware native, Rozie holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in Education. She enjoys staying active and spending time with her two daughters. You can reach Rozie Townsend at rozie.townsend@doe.k12.de.us or (302) 857-3339
Agriculture Students Shine at National FFA Convention
Delaware FFA students showcased their exceptional talents and leadership at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, competing in 26 Career and Leadership Development Events and the Agriscience Fair. Thirteen (13) Delaware FFA chapters joined thousands of peers from across the nation. Members also shined in the National Band, Chorus, and Talent Competition, with standout performances from Lake Forest’s Julia Novak and Sussex Central’s Maria Gutierrez Carcamo. Key supporters, including Senator Chris Coons and East Coast Seed Inc., received Honorary American Degrees for their contributions to Delaware FFA. Additionally, state president Noah Dixon proudly represented Delaware as a national officer candidate, advancing to the second round. This event highlighted Delaware FFA’s commitment to cultivating future leaders in agriculture, food, and natural resources. To learn more contact Dr. Bart Gill at bart.gill@doe.k12.de.us.
Leveraging Learner Voice in CTE: Empowering Learners, Enhancing CTE
Delaware’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) system is leading learner-centered education by actively involving students in key decision-making processes. Through initiatives like the Student Leadership Advisory Committee, students are empowered to shape program development and contribute to state policy recommendations, while promoting diversity and inclusion within CTE. These efforts have fostered strategic partnerships that connect Delaware students with their peers across the nation, amplifying their voices on both regional and national platforms. This work highlights Delaware’s commitment to a responsive, equitable CTE system that equips students for success in a dynamic workforce. For more information, contact Dr. Hill-Shaner at Michael.Hill-Shaner@doe.k12.de.us.
Registration is Open for Delaware TSA Contests and Conference
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.
The Champion Fund provides financial assistance to bring Technology Student Association (TSA) membership to middle and high schools facing economic challenges. This initiative covers Red CAP membership dues (up to 10 members and one advisor) for eligible schools for one year, enabling newly-affiliated chapters to explore TSA’s enriching STEM competitions, leadership opportunities, and career resources. Eligible schools include those without a prior TSA chapter, schools inactive for three or more years, or those impacted by economic hardship due to disasters. Applications, requiring a principal’s signature, are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. The Champion Fund relies on tax-deductible donations from individuals, chapters, or organizations to support its mission. Together, we can expand access to TSA’s transformative opportunities for students nationwide. If you have any questions regarding the Champion Fund, please contact Maria Raza at mraza@tsaweb.org or toll free at 1-888-860-9010.
Help Delaware TSA grow and become eligible to earn $1,000 for your chapter! Mentor a school to start a new chapter and become eligible for the opportunity to receive $1,000. Existing chapters that match or exceed their 2023-2024 membership numbers can also become eligible for $1,000. Forward to Fifty (F2F) is a National TSA membership recruitment campaign that capitalizes on TSA’s 50th anniversary. Special thanks to CompTIA for sponsoring this campaign. Should you have questions, please contact Monica Geiger at mgeiger@tsaweb.org.
DNREC and TSA Partner for Free Junior Solar Sprint Registration and Solar Car Kit
Registration is now open for the 2025 Junior Solar Sprint, a national competition that challenges middle school students to design, build, and race solar-powered model cars. The event will take place on Thursday, April 10, at Delaware State University in Dover and is a collaborative effort between the Delaware Technology Student Association (TSA) and the DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal, and Energy. This exciting partnership emphasizes a shared commitment to STEM education and renewable energy innovation. Registration is free, and participating teams will receive a complimentary solar car kit to help bring their designs to life. Students will compete in design and portfolio evaluations as well as timed races against teams from other schools. The Junior Solar Sprint promotes creativity, teamwork, and hands-on problem-solving, inspiring the next generation of engineers and environmental leaders. For more information, contact James Lee (DNREC) at JamesW.Lee@delaware.gov.
Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship & Internship Program
The Tech Council of Delaware is thrilled to promote the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship & Internship Program, offering high school seniors a $40,000 scholarship and a paid summer internship at Amazon. This opportunity is open to students planning to major in computer science or engineering, with a focus on young women and students from underrepresented backgrounds. Educators and community leaders can help by sharing this life-changing program in classrooms or on platforms like Schoology. The deadline to apply is December 19, 2024, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time, so students should start their applications as soon as possible. Details and the application link are available on the Tech Council of Delaware’s Amazon College Scholarship webpage. For questions, contact Vishakha Jha at vjha@techcouncilofdelaware.org.
Hosted by the National Academy of Engineering, the contest is open and accepting submissions from students in Delaware and across the country! This year’s theme, "Innovating Smarter," invites students to imagine a common object they would make “smart” and to explain its function, how it could benefit people, and potential challenges it may present. The contest is open to students of any gender in grades 3-12, offering a top prize of $1,000 in each of three grade categories. This is a fantastic opportunity for young minds to explore their creativity and consider the possibilities of engineering in everyday life. Teachers are encouraged to integrate this contest into their classrooms, with tips and resources available on the EngineerGirl website. Don’t miss the submission deadline of February 1, 2025! For more information or questions, please contact Mary Mathias, Program Officer at the National Academy of Engineering, at mmathias@nae.edu.
2025 HOSA Leadership Initiatives is offering the Dr. Paul Kostecki Scholarship exclusively for HOSA students interested in the Advanced Medical Neuroscience Internship. Students will work closely with Dr. Giordano, a leader in neuroethics at Georgetown, participating in a seven-day, hands-on experience in neuroscience and ethics research.
Delaware Careers: Jobs, Training, and Educational Opportunities
Delaware Careers, formerly known as Careers&STUFF, is an essential workforce development tool highlighting organizations that offer opportunities and actively recruit job seekers. For 2024, the publication expands its focus to include more job sectors and career paths, such as Education, Government & Public Services, Leisure & Hospitality, Logistics, and Professional & Business Services, alongside established sectors like Construction & Trades, Healthcare, Manufacturing, and Financial Services. A limited number of hard copies are available. If you’d like to share printed copies of Delaware Careers with your students or have copies for your office, please reach out to Charlie Tomlinson at ctomlinson@todaymediainc.com.
DACCTE Announce State CTE Professional Development Nights
The Delaware Advisory Council on Career and Technical Education (DACCTE), in collaboration with the Department of Education (DOE), is excited to announce the State CTE Professional Development Nights, scheduled for December 5, 2024 (Topic: Bringing New Life to Advisory Committee’s. Virtual Meeting PDMS Course #43015; Section # 87356) and March 27, 2025 (Location/Format - To Be Determined. PDMS Course #43017; Section #87357), from 4:30 PM to 6:30PM. These sessions will offer valuable updates and a platform for providing feedback on key issues affecting CTE programs. All CTE educators and cadre members are encouraged to attend and contribute to shaping the future of career and technical education in Delaware. For more details, please contact Ann Breeding at ann.breeding@delaware.gov.
Reminders
DACCTE Sponsors CTE Month Poster Contest
February is Career and Technical Education Month! To help celebrate, DACCTE, along with partners from the Department of Labor and Department of Education, is hosting a CTE poster contest. To recognize CTE as an integral part of our educational system and economy, and to celebrate, we would like to showcase the amazing talent represented in CTE classrooms every day. The winning student poster will be used to celebrate CTE Month in Delaware. Submissions will be due 12/2/24 and specific information can be found on DACCTE’s website . Questions? Please contact Caitlin Rozell from DACCTE at Caitlin.rozell@delaware.gov.
