Name: Redesigning the Role of Industry Credentials in Postsecondary CTE
Start: 2026-09-17T16:30:00-0400
End: 2026-09-17T17:15:00-0400

Redesigning the Role of Industry Credentials in Postsecondary CTE

Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT

Washington A

Postsecondary CTE leaders are under increasing pressure to demonstrate workforce relevance, enrollment value, and student outcomes. Industry‑recognized credentials are often discussed as a solution, but they are too often implemented as isolated add‑ons rather than strategic program assets.
This session explores how postsecondary institutions can integrate industry certifications into CTE pathways in ways that support enrollment, persistence, employer alignment, and student confidence. Drawing on real‑world adoption patterns across community colleges and technical institutions, participants will examine practical models for credential alignment, faculty buy‑in, and employer signaling.

Designed for postsecondary CTE administrators, faculty leaders, and program directors, the session will help attendees assess how credentialing is currently used within their own programs and identify opportunities to better align credentials with institutional goals.

The session will be delivered as a guided discussion, inviting participants to reflect on their current credentialing practices, share what they are aiming to achieve, and engage with examples of how other institutions are approaching credential integration.

Attendees will leave with concrete strategies for positioning credentials as a core component of postsecondary CTE program design that supports stronger pathways, clearer employer signaling, and improved student confidence.

Participants will receive a digital handout summarizing key discussion points and considerations to support continued planning and application within their institutions.

Speakers

April Baek

Program Executive, Pearson

April Baek is a program executive focused on advancing access, employability, and innovation across education and workforce systems. She leads large‑scale initiatives that expand certification‑aligned pathways across K–12, higher education, and career training, aligning talent... Read More →

Scott D’Amico

Executive Vice President, CertNexus

Scott D’Amico is Executive Vice President at CertNexus, bringing over 20 years of experience in education, workforce training, and emerging technology. He specializes in bridging the digital skills gap by helping institutions and employers adopt industry‑recognized certifications... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
Washington A Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA

Concurrent Session

ACTE Postsecondary CTE Summit 2026

April Baek

Scott D’Amico

Attendees (1)

Get help with the event

ACTE Postsecondary CTE Summit 2026

April Baek

Scott D’Amico

Attendees (1)

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