ACTE Postsecondary CTE Summit 2026

How can institutions strategically expand workforce programs to meet growing labor market demands while increasing student access to high-wage careers? This session explores a data-informed approach to strengthening and scaling career and technical education (CTE) programs and short-term credentials in high-demand fields.
Participants will learn how one institution is working to increase enrollment in high-demand, high-wage programs from 600 to 800 students by Fall 2028 by expanding stackable certificates and microcredentials into credit-bearing pathways. With a focus on Finance, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Information Technology (IT), and Aviation, this session highlights how aligning program design with labor market data and industry partnerships can drive both student success and workforce impact.
Designed for CTE leaders, faculty, administrators, and workforce professionals, this session will provide practical strategies to evaluate current program offerings, identify opportunities for growth, and build scalable credential pathways. Attendees will engage in interactive discussions to begin applying these strategies within their own institutions.
Participants will leave with sample pathway models and frameworks to support implementation.