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ACTE Postsecondary CTE Summit 2026
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Why Faith-Based CTE Now? As education leaders respond to shifting Gen Z priorities and widening gaps in non-college workforce pathways, traditional trade-school models—while effective at teaching technical skills—often fall short in addressing students’ growing desire for purpose, identity, belonging, and direction in their work. This session explores why this moment presents a unique leadership opportunity to strengthen Career and Technical Education through values-anchored formation that supports both workforce readiness andwhole-person development. Using some data on the growing numbers of Gen Z embracing faith and purpose, and the Purpose to Path electrician pre-apprenticeship pilot as a possible case example, participants will examine how small, scalable training cohorts can serve as entry points into purpose-centered skilled-trades pathways that improve engagement, persistence, and long-term employability.

This session will benefit secondary and postsecondary CTE leaders, workforce development professionals, apprenticeship sponsors, faith-based educators, and community organizations seeking more effective pathways for 18–24-year-olds entering the trades outside traditional college routes. Participants will gain practical strategies for launching pilot cohorts, aligning employer partnerships, and integrating character-based employability competencies that strengthen retention and program success.

Attendees will leave with a simple framework they can apply immediately to begin designing or strengthening purpose-centered workforce pathways within their own institutions, along with partnership-alignment ideas that connect education, industry, and community-based organizations.

The session will be delivered as an interactive roundtable featuring guided discussion prompts, a partnership-mapping activity, or a pilot-design reflection tool participants can adapt for use in their schools, colleges, or workforce initiatives. Together, participants will explore why faith-based CTE is emerging now as part of a growing national movement to strengthen individuals, families, and communities through meaningful entry points into the skilled trades.  These activities also depend on time allowed.
 
Speakers
avatar for Maryann Reid

Maryann Reid

Cofounder, Purpose to Path inc.
Bio

Maryann Reid is an award-winning author, educator, and nationally recognized advocate for young adults and family empowerment, with more than two decades of experience transforming individuals and communities through education, faith-based initiatives, and storytelling. A former teacher... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA

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