ACTE Postsecondary CTE Summit 2026

State and institutional CTE systems are navigating an increasingly complex landscape—marked by leadership shortages, evolving workforce demands, and persistent performance gaps among student populations identified in Perkins V. Addressing these challenges requires more than technical expertise; it demands a new generation of leaders equipped to think systemically, lead collaboratively, and drive measurable outcomes.
This panel brings together participants from the inaugural cohort of the Postsecondary State CTE Leaders Fellowship, an initiative led by Advance CTE and supported by ECMC Foundation, to explore how intentional leadership development can serve as a catalyst for institutional and statewide transformation.
Panelists will share how the Fellowship experience translated into real-world impact—shaping policy, strengthening cross-sector partnerships, improving program quality, and advancing equity in postsecondary CTE systems. Beyond personal growth, this session highlights how structured leadership development creates ripple effects across organizations, influencing culture, decision-making, and student outcomes.
Participants will engage in a facilitated discussion to examine replicable strategies for building leadership pipelines, fostering psychologically safe and high-performing teams, and aligning leadership practice with Perkins V performance goals. Attendees will leave with actionable insights and a practical framework for investing in leadership as a core strategy for advancing postsecondary CTE impact.