2025 SC Education + Business Summit

Micro:bits are relevant to Information Technology because they can be used to teach programming to students of all ages using Blocks, JavaScript or Python.  They are programmed using an online code editor, so students can write programs in class or at home on a chromebook or iPad.  The online editor can be used for instruction and projects even if the teacher does not have a set of micro:bits in their classroom.  
I will provide value to the participants by presenting lessons, activities, and resources that I use in my Introduction to Programming course. I will walk through example lessons to give the participants hands-on experience programming micro:bits like a student participant. I will also show examples of advanced uses of micro:bits that I use in my Intermediate Programming course.
My knowledge and experience come from several years of using micro:bits during my lessons.

Adult Education programs partner with various training entities to allow students to obtain industry recognized credentials while simultaneously attending Adult Education. These programs, called Integrated Education and Training (IET) programs, focus on the top career clusters to ensure that jobs are available in SC for students after they complete these programs. Possible collaboration with CTE Centers for occupational training may be an avenue to allow these students to reach their career goals and participate in quality training opportunities. Wendy Griffin and Anne Stone, members of the SCDE Career Readiness team, have many years of experience with connecting students to training and employment.

Join us for an insightful session at the 2025 Education + Business Summit, where we will explore the critical role of apprenticeship programs in enhancing career readiness within Career and Technical Education (CTE). This session, tailored for educators, industry stakeholders, and policymakers, will highlight the importance of innovative apprenticeship models that prepare students for successful careers in high-demand fields.

Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into the following:

1. The Apprenticeship Framework: We will provide a detailed overview of the apprenticeship model, including its structure, benefits, and how it integrates classroom learning with hands-on experience. Participants will understand how apprenticeships are designed to meet the needs of both students and employers.

2. Early Education Career Institute (EECI) Case Study: Leveraging our experience as an Apprenticeship Ambassador and as a US Department of Labor (DOL) Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor, we will share best practices from the Early Education Career Institute. This includes our approach to training future Early Childhood Educators through structured apprenticeships, which combine academic instruction with practical work experience in real-world settings.

3. Pathways to Diverse Careers: Attendees will learn about the varied roles in high-demand sectors like Community Health Aid and Information Technology Help Desk. We will discuss how apprenticeship pathways can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of these occupations, ensuring students acquire relevant skills aligned with industry standards.

4. National Association of ECE Apprentices: As the curator of the National Association of Early Childhood Education (ECE) Apprentices, which has rapidly grown to over 400 members within its first year, we will present strategies for building strong networks and communities around apprenticeship programs. Participants will learn how to create and maintain connections within their local and national ecosystems to foster collaboration and resource sharing.

5. Strategies for Successful Implementation: We will offer actionable insights on how CTE providers can effectively implement apprenticeship programs within their curricula. This includes addressing barriers, securing funding, engaging industry partners, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

6. Evaluating Outcomes and Impact: Finally, we will discuss methods for assessing the effectiveness of apprenticeship programs, including tracking student outcomes, employer engagement, and overall program sustainability. Attendees will learn how to gather and analyze data to continually improve their apprenticeship offerings.

Takeaways:

By the end of this session, participants will leave with:

- A clear understanding of the apprenticeship model and its relevance to CTE.
- Practical tools and strategies to develop and implement effective apprenticeship programs in various sectors.
- Insights into networking and collaboration opportunities through the National Association of ECE Apprentices.
- Resources and contacts within the apprenticeship landscape to support their initiatives.

Join us to discover how leveraging apprenticeships can not only transform educational pathways but also significantly enhance the workforce readiness of the next generation!

Dr. Lisa Riegel organized Ohio Department of Education's Economic Education Summit for two years, so she understands the complex relationship between education and business. She also worked as an administrator at an Ohio Career Center where she was in charge of business and community outreach. She is a co-founder of an organization that seeks to close the soft skills gap and is in charge of all content development related to soft skill development and measurement. Durable skills, soft skills, essential skills continue to be at the heart of discussion related to workforce readiness, and businesses do not believe education is closing the gap. A comprehensive soft skills development program can show employers educators are not only listening, but also making sure students have the skills they need to get and retain a job. While everyone is talking about soft skills and their impact on academic, personal and professional success, they are not taught, measured and supported in a strategic way. This presentation will connect the dots so participants can leave with action steps to start building a soft skills culture in their programming and partnerships.

Relevance of the topic to the CTE field:
Community engagement aligns closely with the mission of Career and Technical Education (CTE) by emphasizing real-world application and experiential learning. It bridges the gap between classroom instruction and professional practice, fostering student readiness for healthcare careers.

Value to participants:
Participants will gain practical strategies to enhance their programs, from inviting impactful guest speakers to building partnerships with local institutions. The presentation will also provide a model for community-based events like the Teddy Bear Clinic, inspiring attendees to implement similar initiatives that connect students with their communities and future professions.

Presenter knowledge and experience:
With 3 years of experience in the health science classroom, the presenter has successfully integrated community engagement into the curriculum. This includes organizing events like the Teddy Bear Clinic, partnering with local colleges and hospitals, and hosting guest speakers. These initiatives have yielded positive outcomes in student engagement and career readiness, equipping the presenter with firsthand insights to share.

The topic is very relevant as it is what I teach daily. The value to participants will be an insight into a different cluster that is new to CTE but an age-old concept. I have an Associate degree in Supply Chain Management, I have been officially teaching for three years although I have been employed by my school for eight years. I have worked as a Warehouse Manager for eight years and worked in a manufacturing plant for four years.

The intersection of sustainability, the maritime industry, and logistics is highly relevant to Career and Technology Education (CTE) because it prepares students for high-demand careers in global industries that are rapidly evolving due to technological advancements and environmental challenges. The maritime industry and logistics sectors offer diverse career opportunities in transportation, supply chain management, renewable energy, and engineering. Sustainability is becoming a core competency in these industries, with growing demand for professionals skilled in green logistics, alternative energy sources, and data-driven decision-making. Presenters are all working in the field as a sustainability professional, logistics manager, and maritime industry leader.

In this seminar, you will discover:
The effects of stress on our bodies
How mindfulness can mitigate stress
High impact strategies to enhance and empower educator wellness