Members of Kaptivate’s Career Z Challenge team, as well as many of the Challenge semi-finalists, attended the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE)'s 2024 National Work-Based Learning Conference in Milwaukee, WI in early May. The Career Z Challenge is a $3 million prize
challenge hosted by the U.S. Department of Education to expand work-based learning (WBL) opportunities for high school students. Kaptivate is proud to serve as the contractor team responsible for the challenge management, outreach, and technical assistance for nearly 80 semi-finalists. After nearly a year of Zoom meetings, we were delighted to finally meet in-person with over 40 Career Z Challenge semi-finalists who attended the event and led many of the workshops. The event also allowed us to connect with educators and WBL enthusiasts nationwide at our exhibitor booth.
Jenny Lambert, from the U.S. Department of Education, and Jenn Stein provided an update on the Career Z Challenge during the lunchtime plenary. Jenn shared details with the audience on Kaptivate’s unique high-school internship program and encouraged WBL programs to partner with small businesses in their communities to offer work experiences for high school students.
Kaptivators Jenn Stein, Kat Kempe, and Quinn Slayton shared Kaptivate’s experience and expertise at a standing-room-only workshop on Data Storytelling. The session, titled “More than Just a Pretty Picture: Data Storytelling for Program Sustainability”, gave the audience tips and strategies for creating effective communications to drive change.
Over 1,000 conference attendees had the opportunity to explore many other topics such as developing effective WBL curricula, creating meaningful partnerships with businesses, ensuring equitable access to WBL opportunities, and managing compliance with relevant laws and regulations. In addition to the educational sessions, the conference facilitated numerous networking opportunities. Participants mingled during receptions, meals, and exhibit hall breaks, fostering connections that are sure to lead to future collaborations and stronger community ties.
Overall, the 2024 ACTE National WBL Conference in Milwaukee was a dynamic event that provided CTE professionals with the tools, knowledge, and connections necessary to enhance work-based learning programs across the country. We look forward to attending ACTE's Vision Conference in San Antonio this December.
