Ohio Association of Career Tech Superintendents

OACTS fosters a dynamic network of collaboration among Ohio's Career Center Superintendents, empowering them to share best practices, champion innovative leader

[Ohio Association of Career Tech Superintendents @OhioACTS]

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce has officially opened the Adult Workforce Diploma Program Provider Application.

Beginning July 1, 2026, this new three-year program will replace the 22+ Adult High School Diploma Program and the Adult Diploma Program, creating a more flexible, outcomes-driven pathway for adult learners to earn a state-issued high school diploma while advancing their careers.

Many Ohio Technical Centers will play a vital role as providers, helping adult learners gain the education and workforce skills needed for success.

📅 Provider applications are due June 5, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

Learn more and access the application: https://t.co/108P51yREM

OACTS is proud of the dedication and impact of Ohio’s adult education professionals who continue creating life-changing opportunities for students across the state.

[Ohio Association of Career Tech Superintendents @OhioACTS]

🌟 NASA Member Spotlight

Andrea Townsend, Superintendent at Tri-County Career Center, has spent the last decade leading in Career & Technical Education after beginning her career as an agriculture teacher.

Andrea believes CTE creates meaningful, real-world learning experiences that help students connect education to future careers and lifelong success. Through hands-on learning, industry credentials, work-based experiences, and strong employer partnerships, students gain practical skills and confidence as they prepare for college, careers, military service, and beyond.

She is especially excited about the growth and innovation happening across healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and construction trades pathways - all areas creating strong opportunities for students while supporting Ohio’s workforce needs.

Andrea shared that one of the most powerful aspects of CTE is watching students discover confidence, purpose, and a vision for their future through experiences that connect learning to real-world goals.

Reflecting on her NASA experience, Andrea highlighted the incredible network of educators and leaders she gained through the program, along with opportunities to visit CTE programs across Ohio and the country to learn new ideas and strengthen her vision for student success.

Thank you, Andrea, for continuing to champion opportunities that empower students, strengthen communities, and shape the future of Career & Technical Education across Ohio.

#CareerTechOhio #CTEWorks #CareerTechChangesLives

[Ohio Association of Career Tech Superintendents @OhioACTS]

🌟 NASA Member Spotlight 🌟

Matt Campbell of Mahoning County Career & Technical Center has dedicated 25 years to education, including 18 years in Career & Technical Education as both a teacher and administrator.

Matt sees CTE as a powerful way to expose students to meaningful opportunities for future success — whether that means entering the workforce immediately after graduation, pursuing higher education, or serving in the military. He also emphasized the impact of hands-on learning, career exploration, and the lifelong connections students build with their teachers through CTE experiences.

Matt is especially excited about their new HVAC program launching in the 2026–2027 school year and is interested in seeing how artificial intelligence continues to shape both Career & Technical Education and everyday life.

“Visit your local career center to witness firsthand all of the great things being done every day.”

Matt encourages aspiring education leaders to experience CTE firsthand and continue building strong relationships with local stakeholders and policymakers to support program growth and student success.

Reflecting on his NASA experience, Matt highlighted the value of networking, professional relationships, and exposure to new ideas and information that continue to support his growth as an educational leader.

Thank you, Matt, for your leadership and dedication to Ohio’s CTE community!

#CareerTechOhio #CTEWorks #CareerTechChangesLives

[Ohio Association of Career Tech Superintendents @OhioACTS]

🌟 NASA Member Spotlight 🌟

Clint Rhodes, Assistant Superintendent at Mid-East CTC, brings more than 20 years of K-12 education experience into his first year in Career & Technical Education leadership.

Clint has quickly seen the impact CTE has on students through increased engagement, hands-on learning, and opportunities to earn valuable skills, certifications, and professional connections that prepare them for success both during and after high school. He also shared how impressed he has been by the collaborative culture within Ohio’s CTE community and the willingness of leaders across the state to support one another through shared ideas and innovation.

One pathway Clint is especially excited about is Mid-East CTC’s new Fire and EMS program, which will welcome its first class of juniors this coming school year. He is also exploring ways to strengthen apprenticeship opportunities with a local hospital, inspired by the partnerships highlighted during the OACTS Spring Issue Forum.

Clint encourages education leaders to find more ways to bring stakeholders into career centers to experience firsthand the incredible work happening inside CTE classrooms and labs every day.

Reflecting on his NASA experience, Clint highlighted the relationships and collaborations built among his cohort, along with memorable opportunities to engage with state leadership at the Ohio Statehouse.

Thank you, Clint, for your passion and leadership in Ohio’s CTE community!

#CareerTechOhio #CTEWorks #CareerTechChangesLives

[Ohio Association of Career Tech Superintendents @OhioACTS]

🌟 NASA Member Spotlight

Kaitlyn Randall, Assistant Director of Student Services at Great Oaks Career Campuses, is passionate about helping students connect their education to meaningful career pathways through Career & Technical Education.

From a student services perspective, Kaitlyn sees CTE as a powerful way to increase engagement, motivation, and postsecondary readiness by making learning more relevant and connected to real-world opportunities. Through hands-on experiences, certifications, internships, and work-based learning, students gain practical skills while building confidence and direction for their futures.

As a former Teaching Professions student herself, Kaitlyn remains especially passionate about Early Childhood Education and Teaching Professions programs.

“I would not be where I am today without the opportunity to explore and grow my passion for education in high school.”

Kaitlyn also shared that one of the most impactful aspects of CTE is the clarity and purpose it provides students, helping them understand what they are working toward and how their learning connects to future goals.

Reflecting on her NASA experience, she described it as a fast-track for growth that expanded her understanding of CTE across Ohio while fostering meaningful collaboration and relationships with colleagues across districts.

Thank you, Kaitlyn, for your leadership and dedication to Ohio’s CTE community! ❤️

#CareerTechOhio #CTEWorks #CareerTechChangesLives

[Ohio Association of Career Tech Superintendents @OhioACTS]

Congratulations to Polaris Career Center on the grand opening of its new Engineering Technology, Robotics & Automation program facility!

This exciting expansion will provide students with hands-on experience using advanced manufacturing, robotics, and automation technology while preparing them for high-demand careers in STEM and industry sectors critical to Ohio’s economy.

We’re excited to see the impact this program will have on students, communities, and the future of advanced manufacturing in Ohio.

#CareerTechOhio #CTEWorks #CareerTechChangesLives

[Ohio Association of Career Tech Superintendents @OhioACTS]

Beginning May 14, 2026, eligible institutions can apply through ODHE for Workforce Pell approval - expanding access to Pell Grant funding for short-term programs tied to in-demand careers and strong employment outcomes.

Programs must meet federal standards related to completion, job placement, stackable credit, and alignment with Ohio workforce priorities.

Learn more: https://t.co/Cz9iViCy3p

#CareerTechOhio #CTEWorks #CareerTechChangesLives

[Ohio Association of Career Tech Superintendents @OhioACTS]

OACTS congratulates SHP on celebrating its 125th anniversary! 🎉

Thank you for being a Gold Level Sponsor and a great business partner to OACTS. We appreciate your continued support and commitment to strengthening education and communities across Ohio.

Congratulations on this incredible milestone!

https://t.co/3oNIe528f4

#OACTS #SHP #125Years #Partnership #CareerTechEd

[Ohio Association of Career Tech Superintendents @OhioACTS]

OACTS is pleased to join in congratulating Vantage Career Center Superintendent Rick Turner on being named the SkillsUSA Ohio Superintendent of the Year! 👏

Announced during the SkillsUSA Ohio State Championship Ceremony in front of more than 8,000 students, advisors, educators, and industry partners, this prestigious recognition honors Superintendent Turner’s outstanding leadership, dedication to career-technical education, and continued support of student success both in and out of the classroom.

Under his leadership, Vantage Career Center continues to grow as a leader in career technical education, providing students with hands-on learning, industry credentials, and real-world opportunities that prepare them for successful futures.

Congratulations, Superintendent Turner, on this incredible and well-deserved honor!

#SkillsUSA #CTEWorks #VantageCareerCenter

[Ohio Association of Career Tech Superintendents @OhioACTS]

NASA Member Spotlight 🌟

OACTS is proud to highlight Jennifer Blackstone, who is a member of our 2025-2026 New and Aspiring Superintendents Academy (NASA).

Jennifer Blackstone, Assistant Superintendent at Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools, has spent the past three school years making an impact in Career & Technical Education through leadership, collaboration, and student-focused innovation.

For Jennifer, one of the greatest strengths of CTE is the connection among educators and the shared commitment to student success.

She is especially excited about the K2 Energy Pathway and the opportunities it creates for students preparing for future careers. Jennifer also shared that one of the most meaningful parts of CTE is seeing students develop a true sense of belonging through career-focused learning connected to their interests and goals.

Her advice for aspiring education leaders:
👉 “Go and see other programs! I learn the most from visits to other schools.”

Reflecting on her NASA experience, Jennifer highlighted the relationships built through the program and the opportunity to learn about advocacy and best practices during visits to St. Louis and Washington, D.C. She shared that the bonds formed through NASA will continue to support her throughout her career.

Thank you, Jennifer, for your leadership and dedication to Ohio’s CTE community! ❤️

[Ohio Association of Career Tech Superintendents @OhioACTS]

Governor DeWine announced $3.2 million in grants to help Ohio schools expand access to career tech manufacturing programs.

The funding will support equipment, instructors, hands-on training, and partnerships that prepare students for high-demand manufacturing careers across Ohio.

See grant information here: https://t.co/UyQIG8qPg2

#OACTS #CareerTechEd #Manufacturing #WorkforceDevelopment #OhioEducation #CTE

[Ohio Association of Career Tech Superintendents @OhioACTS]

Career-tech educators are building Ohio’s future workforce every day. 🔧💡

This Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re celebrating the teachers who give students the hands-on skills, confidence, and career pathways that lead to success beyond graduation. Thank you for the impact you make in every lab, classroom, and community. ❤️

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week from OACTS!

#CareerTechOhio #CTEWorks #CareerTechChangesLives #TeacherAppreciationWeek

[Ohio Association of Career Tech Superintendents @OhioACTS]

🔧 At career centers across Ohio, students are gaining the skills employers need most.

It’s In-Demand Jobs Week - a time to recognize the hands-on learning and career pathways that lead directly to success in today’s workforce!

#InDemandJobs #CTEPride #CareerCenters #SkilledWorkforce

[Ohio Association of Career Tech Superintendents @OhioACTS]

🎉 Congratulations to Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) on an incredible achievement!

Their recruitment video has been recognized with the OHSPRA “Best of the Best” Video Award - a testament to the power of storytelling in career-technical education. This award highlights the impact of strong communication strategies that elevate student voices, showcase hands-on learning, and connect communities to opportunity.

▶️ Watch the award-winning video below and see why it stood out: https://t.co/IknqBPCo7s

#CareerTechOhio #CTEWorks #CareerTechChangesLives

[Ohio Association of Career Tech Superintendents @OhioACTS]

Registered apprenticeships provide a critical talent pipeline that can help address some of our nation’s most pressing workforce challenges. In Ohio, many of our career centers offer registered apprenticeships to both secondary and adult students.

We also thank the many industry partners who collaborate with us to make apprenticeships available to youth and adults.

#CareerTechOhio #CTEWorks #CareerTechChangesLives

[Ohio Association of Career Tech Superintendents @OhioACTS]

Happy Administrative Professionals Day! 💼

Thank you to the dedicated professionals who keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. We appreciate you today and every day.

#CareerTechOhio #CTEWorks #CareerTechChangesLives

[Ohio Association of Career Tech Superintendents @OhioACTS]

Congratulations to @DelawareAreaCC on being featured nationally on Public Television’s All Access! 👏

These videos showcase the power of #CareerTechEd in action—preparing students for college, careers, and life.

🎥 Watch the 60-sec spotlight + 6-min feature: https://t.co/qWRagUaKtZ

[Ohio Association of Career Tech Superintendents @OhioACTS]

In the Spring Edition of ConnectED, learn more about our Ohio Technical Centers and the critical role they play in serving adult learners across the state.

Our centers provide flexible, career-focused training that helps individuals build in-demand skills, earn industry-recognized credentials, and quickly enter or advance in the workforce.

Discover how our Ohio Technical Centers strengthen communities and support business needs through workforce-ready education: https://t.co/iMXYEhd7Vd

@OHEducation

#CareerTechOhio #CTEWorks #CareerTechChangesLives

[Ohio Association of Career Tech Superintendents @OhioACTS]

Financial Literacy Grants are open 💡

If you’re teaching budgeting, saving, and money management skills, this opportunity is for you.

https://t.co/IKSriXAKk8

#CareerTechOhio #CTEWorks #CareerTechChangesLives

[Ohio Association of Career Tech Superintendents @OhioACTS]

Real skills. Real opportunities. Real impact.

That’s the power of Career and Technical Education.

CTE prepares students with the knowledge, certifications, and hands-on experience needed to succeed in high-demand careers and strengthen our communities.

This video, created by our partner and sponsor iCEV, showcases CTE in action and the impact it makes every day.

https://t.co/hp9I2ZLIoy

#CTE #CTEWorks