Career Connections

We are excited to announce the Healthcare Education & Learning Pathways (HELP) Summit on February 23, 2026, hosted by the Armstrong Indiana Career Pathways Partnership (AICPP).

This summit is a collaborative effort of the CTCs, medical centers, and post-secondary institutions of our two counties and will provide students with the opportunity to explore a variety of healthcare careers through hands-on, interactive sessions.

Important Information:

• Audience: Armstrong and Indiana County students in grades 10-12 who either have a strong interest in healthcare careers or show significant aptitude in science.

• Chaperones: We recommend sending STEM teachers to attend and learn alongside students to gain insights for integrating healthcare careers into their curricula.

• Lunch: Lunch for students and chaperones will be provided.

• Transportation: We have funding to assist with transportation costs to Lenape Technical School. Information for reimbursement will be provided after the event.

• Location: Lenape Technical School, 2215 Chaplin Ave, Ford City, PA 16226

• Drop Off: Drop off will be at the side entrance outside of the gym (follow signage).

• Parking: Buses can park in the back lot

• Dress Code: Business casual.

Schedule

9:00-9:35 Keynote

9:45-10:15 Session 1

10:20-10:50 Session 2

10:55-11:25 Session 3 / Lunch

11:30-12:00 Lunch / Session 3

12:05-12:35 Session 4

12:40-1:10 Session 5

1:15-1:30 Closing Remarks

Students will receive an individualized schedule based on their responses to the interest survey. When you arrive, we will give all of your materials to your chaperone for distribution.

Thank you for helping us connect students with this exciting opportunity. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Katie Monsour (kmonsour@iu28.org), or Susan Manz (smanz@iu28.org).

Click here to register your school. Don't hesitate: seats are filling up fast! Deadline: January 30, 2026.

February is CTE Celebration Month, and we’re proud to join educators, leaders, and partners across the state in recognizing the importance of hands‑on, career‑connected learning. This month highlights the crucial role CTE plays in helping students discover their strengths and build meaningful pathways forward.

We also take this time to acknowledge the dedication of the professionals who make high‑quality CTE possible—from instructors and administrators to support staff and industry partners who help connect learning to real‑world expectations.

CTE Celebration Month reminds us why this work matters. By providing students with engaging, relevant experiences, CTE strengthens Pennsylvania’s schools, communities, and workforce. We’re grateful for everyone contributing to this mission and look forward to continuing this shared work in the months ahead.

Registration is now open!

This year’s theme, Connecting Vision to Impact, is all about bringing leaders together to unpack Advance CTE’s new shared vision for the field and to explore how its principles will strengthen Career Technical Education (CTE) experiences and systems and empower learners at every level.

Artificial intelligence (AI) can be harnessed to address emerging local, state, and regional problems, driving innovation and the renewal of America in our nation’s Golden Age.

The Presidential AI Challenge seeks to inspire young people and educators to create AI-based innovative solutions to community challenges while fostering AI interest and competency. Students and educators of all backgrounds and expertise are encouraged to participate and ignite a new spirit of innovation as we celebrate 250 years of independence and look forward to the next 250 years.

The Presidential AI Challenge will foster interest and expertise in AI technology in America's youth. Early training in the responsible use of AI tools will demystify this technology and prepare America’s students to be confident participants in the AI-assisted workforce, propelling our Nation to new heights of scientific innovation and economic achievement.

Student participants will complete a project that involves the study, development, or use of an AI method or tool to address community challenges, while educators will focus on creative approaches to teaching or using AI technologies in K-12 learning.

Register here

Fostering Career Awareness in Upper Elementary

Feb. 4, 3 - 4 p.m. | Virtual

Facilitator: Museum of Science, Boston

Grades 3-5 | Featuring YES Engineering Rescue Shuttles

STEM Next is accelerating our efforts to advance career-connected learning in afterschool and summer learning programs with our Career-Connected Learning Framework for Out-of-School Time Providers. Discover how hands-on engineering supports career awareness for youth in grades 3–5. This webinar features the YES Engineering Rescue Shuttles unit and free career resources that help youth build awareness about the skills, tools, and decisions professionals make in disaster response and recovery careers—from aeronautical engineers to power plant operators. Educators will leave with free and practical resources for integrating career exploration into engineering activities. Attendees who complete the post-training survey will be entered into a raffle to receive a STEM kit for 20 youth.

Click here to register.

NOCTI is seeking SMEs for the upcoming Production Agriculture test to begin this spring! Led by a trained NOCTI facilitator, SME teams develop standards and content to ensure NOCTI assessments reflect the latest tools, techniques, and skills needed for success. This work typically involves a series of web meetings and independent assignments, and involvement opportunities are flexible.

Durable Skill Development and Career Exploration in Middle School

Feb. 18, 3-4 p.m. | Virtual

Facilitator: Museum of Science, Boston
Grades 6-8 | Featuring YES Engineering Antivirals Unit

STEM Next is accelerating our efforts to advance career-connected learning in afterschool and summer learning programs with our Career-Connected Learning Framework for Out-of-School Time Providers. With our partners at the Museum of Science in Boston, out-of-school time providers will see how open-ended problems that invite youth to engineer solutions can foster durable skill development and connect STEM more closely to careers in middle school.

This workshop highlights free, ready-to-use resources that help youth connect the YES Engineering Antivirals challenge to real health careers—from biomedical engineering to nursing—while building skills like collaboration and critical thinking. Educators will leave with downloadable activities and strategies they can use immediately with YES engineering units. Attendees who complete the post-training survey will be entered into a raffle to receive a STEM kit for 20 youth.

Click here for more info.

As K-12 students participate in RLD events that are part of the Career Ready PA Backpack Challenge (look for the backpack logo!), the students can earn badges for their career readiness portfolio after they complete PDE's digital artifact survey. If a school has at least 100 students who earn badges, then they will receive a banner from PDE for their efforts in meeting the Backpack Challenge! Schools can register at the link below:

2026 Career Ready PA Backpack Challenge - Register your school now! Survey

Career Ready PA Mega Challenge (School Hosts Only)

PDE will once again partner with Remake Learning Days from May 1-23, 2026, for the Career Ready PA Backpack Challenge and the Career Ready PA Mega Challenge. This year, only school/s will be awarded $1000 for hosting a Mega event. Applications will be accepted now through January 23, 2026. Awardees will be announced in early February. To apply, please click the link: 2026 Career Ready PA Mega Challenge Application Survey

It's time for the third-annual Armstrong-Indiana Career Fair, which will be held on:

Thursday, March 26, 2026

Please note that this year’s event will be a dedicated career fair only and will not include a job-fair component as in previous years.

Employer Registration

Employers and post-secondary partners wishing to participate must complete the registration form at:
www.armstrongcenter.org/careerfair/. Participation is free of charge, but registration is required to reserve a table.

What to Expect in 2026

More than 300 high school students in grades 9–12 from Armstrong and Indiana counties are expected to attend. Students will explore career pathways, learn about in-demand skills, and speak directly with professionals eager to share insight into today’s growing industries.

This year’s event also features a new keynote focus: Careers in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics – with industry experts highlighting how these technologies are reshaping the workforce and the skills students will need for the future. Details about keynote speakers will be announced soon.

Your participation continues to play an important role in helping students understand career opportunities, build early connections, and begin planning their next steps after high school.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Justin Nolder, at 724-543-2599 ext. 222 or justin@armstrongcenter.org.

As I'm sure you know, February is CTE Month and we’re excited to share free workforce readiness resources to support your district. Students can explore high-demand careers like accounting and data science and build real-world financial skills, including how to file taxes.

And since it is that time of year… To help remove uncertainty and build confidence, Everfi is offering virtual tax season workshops for high school classes during the week of February 23–27.

During this 45‑minute session, students will explore key topics from Everfi's Tax Simulation course, including:
How to file a basic tax return
Understanding essential tax forms
Building confidence in real‑world financial decision‑making

All students need is a device—no teacher prep required. Sign Up Here

Statewide Webinar: Skills that Matter, Employability and the New CEW Standards February 2026

Act 48 credits available

Please attend the statewide webinar about the newly revised standards. Registration is through PaTTAN using the links below.

You only have to attend one session. Hope to see you there!

Feb 5th Session: https://www.pattan.net/Events/Webinar/Course-3621/Events/Session-42249 from 3:00 to 4:15 pm

Feb 6th Session: https://www.pattan.net/Events/Webinar/Course-3621/Events/Session-42250 from 10 to 11:15 am

The Pennsylvania Department of Education's "Career Opportunities" page offers resources for individuals interested in educational careers within the state. It provides information on current job openings, recruitment initiatives, and recognition programs aimed at attracting and retaining qualified educators. The page serves as a central hub for those seeking to contribute to Pennsylvania's educational system.

For the most up-to-date listings and detailed information, please visit the official page.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Career and Technical Education (BCTE), has compiled this resource guide, which lists industry-recognized credentials for career and technical education programs in Pennsylvania's career clusters.

These industry-recognized credentials measure competence in core content and performance standards in a specific set of work-related tasks. The work-related tasks and assessment must connect with workforce demands.

The resource guide is designed to assist schools with the process of identifying organizations that provide industry-recognized credentials. The guide is organized by career cluster.

Within each cluster, programs appear in Classification of Instructional Program Code (CIP) order with the name of the industry credentials and provider. Other Credentials has an additional table that contains credentials that may be applicable to multiple clusters or programs.

General comments or questions about the resource guide should be directed to Beth Marshall at betmarshal@pa.gov.

With historic investments in career and technical education, vo-tech, and apprenticeships, the Shapiro Administration is ensuring that Pennsylvania students have the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed.

Remake Learning Days isn't just for young kids! We are looking for events that focus on Youth Voice and Career Readiness. Whether it's a student-led panel, a career exploration fair, or a community service project, we’d love to include your school. Check out the funding options (up to $500) to help make it happen.

As we head into 2026, I am thrilled to invite you to be part of the 10th Anniversary of Remake Learning Days! This hands-on learning festival returns to Indiana and Armstrong counties from May 1–23, 2026, and we want to showcase the great work happening in our schools, libraries, museums, nonprofits, and local businesses.

Why Host an Event?

• Share what you already do with families and the community

• Showcase student work, programs, or summer opportunities

• Connect with parents and caregivers in a meaningful way

• Events can be for any age and are free or low-cost

Interested in hosting?

• Submit your event (choose Northwestern PA) — Marketing deadline: Feb 23

• Apply for funding to support your event — Deadline: Feb 13

A full preview of the host and funding applications is attached for reference.

Need inspiration? Check out some of these events from last year’s celebration.

If you have any questions or want to brainstorm an idea, please reach out. Please feel free to forward this to anyone who might be interested. Let’s make the 10th anniversary our best year yet!

The Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps is for young people ages 15 to 25. Learn new skills, gain job experience, and improve Pennsylvania’s public lands. Please share this opportunity with interested students.

In commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary and to honor the legacy of Pennsylvania’s strong commitment to education, America250PA will be awarding $250,000 in scholarships to deserving Pennsylvania students attending Pennsylvania colleges and universities in the 2026/2027 academic school year.

For more information, and to apply for the scholarship, please visit the America 250PA Scholarship page.

PDE will once again partner with Remake Learning Days from May 1-23, 2026, for the Career Ready PA Backpack Challenge and the Career Ready PA Mega Challenge.

This year, only school/s will be awarded $1000 for hosting a Mega event. Applications will be accepted from December 1, 2025, through February 13, 2026. To apply, use this link for the application.

Awards will be selected in early March.

2025-2026 Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness (OTDA)

Public Service Announcement Challenge (PDE/IU13)

The Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 (IU13), in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), is sponsoring the Public Service Announcement (PSA) Competition, a statewide challenge that encourages teams of students in 9th through 12th grade to use their problem-solving, creative, and strategic-thinking abilities to solve real-world lifesaving challenges. Winners will be selected by members of the Organ Donation Advisory Committee (ODAC).

DEADLINE 11:59 PM 4/13/26

- Pennsylvania teens in grades 9 -12.

- Challenge: Create a video explaining why being an organ donor is crucial and why you will designate yourself. Use the theme, “The Power of 1” to demonstrate how the organs of 1 donor can save up to 8 lives and enhance the lives of 75 people through tissue donation. Be sure to include this fact in your entry to encourage your peers to become organ donors.

- Award: The statewide winning team (2-4 individuals) will be awarded $3,000. The winning team members will receive certificates as well as their school receiving a traveling trophy and a permanent trophy engraved with the school’s name. The team will also be invited to attend the Annual OTDA Spring Conference in State College on May 15, 2026.

For more information including judging criteria, please visit the OTDA Challenge website.

Save the Date for Green Building Alliance's upcoming Youth Conferences in 2026. Students are invited to join Green Building Alliance for a day of exploring green building and sustainability trends, the role of green building in combating climate change, as well as career pathways and the various career tracks in sustainable design, construction, operations, engineering, and more.

Students will gain insight and exposure to green building pathways and embedding sustainability into careers more broadly. Attendees will start the day with an introduction to green building: what it is, who it is for, and where industry evolutions are driving jobs for the future workforce. Students will then learn about what it takes to conceptualize, design, construct and operate a sustainable building, along with critical roles along the way.

During lunch, students will engage with green building professionals and educators in a career-fair style setting. Later the students will participate in interactive demonstrations, discussions, and activities before being dismissed to school.

Students who attend will:

• Be introduced to the basics of sustainable and high-performance building
• Gain exposure to industry specific careers and learn how sustainability is embedded
• Participate in interactive activities highlighting the importance of high-performance building
• Consider their own skills, interests, and experiences when thinking about potential careers in sustainability

Dates are tentative and subject to change as we are still working out plans with venues, but we ask that teachers or students interested in careers in architecture, construction, engineering, or the broader sustainability ecosystem will save the following dates:

Students may attend any single event or take part in the full series! Reimbursement for student transportation to and from conferences is also available!

Please reach out to info@gba.org for more information.

The Career Expo will take place Monday, January 12th, 2026, from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm in the PA Preferred Banquet Hall in the Farm Show Complex. Please use the form below to register your school, class or individual student. For questions regarding registration please contact Sara Gligora at sgligora@pa.gov .

Link to the form

Additionally, the 2026 Farm City Day Central PA is coming up on May 6th and 7th. Link to register here.

Environmental Programs for High School Students at Penn State Scranton

Description: High school juniors and seniors, sign up and earn credit with one of our free environmental science programs. Full scholarships are available through the generosity of the DeNaples Family and the Keystone Sanitary Landfill.

When: Monday, January 12, 2026; 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Contact Information:jxe138@psu.edu

570-963-2600

FIRST LEGO League at Penn State Behrend

Description: FIRST LEGO League (FLL) results from an exciting alliance between FIRST and the LEGO Company. Guided by adult mentors and their own imaginations, FLL students solve real-world engineering challenges and develop important life skills. FLL provides students aged 9–14 with a hands-on, interactive robotics program in a sports-like atmosphere. Teams of up to ten players focus on team building, problem-solving, creativity, and analytical thinking to develop solutions to a problem currently facing the world—the Challenge

Where: Penn State Behrend | 4701 College Drive, Erie, PA 16563

When: Saturday, February 7, 2026; 12:00 PM - 12:00 PM

Contact Information:FIRST-PennState@psu.edu; YouthOutreach@psu.edu.

11th Annual STEAM Fair at Penn State Behrend

Description: This fair highlights STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math—through engaging, hands-on interactive displays and activities designed to spark curiosity and interest in future careers. Typically drawing an estimated 1,500 attendees, this free event is open to all ages. Friends and families are able to: Explore the fun, fantastical world of STEAM. View science in action with hands-on demonstrations, videos, and more. Discover what our region has to offer! To participate, please complete the STEAM fair registration form by February 10. This will ensure your company or organization is included on the STEAM fair map. If your company or organization would like to provide prizes or a sponsorship, include that information on the form, email YouthOutreach@psu.edu, or call 814-898-6871.

Where: Junker Center

When: Monday, February 23, 2026; 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Contact Information:YouthOutreach@psu.edu

814-898-6871

PA Curriculum Leadership Summit

Description: On February 23, Toddle is hosting a gathering at the Hershey Lodge for the Curriculum Leadership Summit: PA, free in-person convening for district leaders navigating the moment of AI-driven change in schools. The event is co-hosted by PA-EDGE and PAECT. The day will feature: - Keynotes by Jay McTighe (architect of the UbD framework) and Richard Culatta (CEO - ISTE+ASCD) - Panels and workshops on leadership and technology - Conversations, real tools, and meaningful connections The event will explore questions that matter most right now: How can district leaders make sense of the growing AI landscape? What does responsible innovation look like in practice? How do we lead change that stays grounded in learning? Link to Register: https://www.toddleapp.com/events/pa-curriculum-leadership-summit-2026/

Where: Hershey Lodge

When: Monday, February 23, 2026; 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Contact Information:amy.mcshane@aiu3.net; 412-394-4193

ACEC/ PA's Western Region STEAM Day

Description: This event is open to middle school students who like building things, solving puzzles and making ideas come to life. There will be hand-on activities and opportunities to get up close with some of the large equipment. Lunch is included and space will be limited.

Where: Commonwealth Charter Academy 162 East Bridge Street Homestead, PA 15120-5003 United States

When: Friday, April 17, 20269:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Contact Information:amy.mcshane@aiu3.net, https://www.acecpa.org/events/steam-day-in-western-pa-4172026

Math Options Career Day

Description: The Math Options program, a math, science, technology, engineering, and business career day for seventh- and eighth-grade students, was designed to provide information on careers in these fields to students at a time when they are making important academic decisions. Students from schools in Erie, Crawford, Potter, Venango, and Warren counties attend the Math Options program. Membership or participation in this program is not limited by sex or gender. This program is open to all applicants who satisfy its academic criteria. Purpose Studies have shown that students who do not take upper-level math courses in junior and senior high school are often limited in choosing college majors and, subsequently, careers. This is true not only of jobs directly related to mathematics and science but also of careers that require academic preparation for math and science, including the social and medical sciences. Moreover, since many young people change their career goals several times during the college years, we strongly advocate the study of mathematics and science throughout high school for all students so they will have as many college major and career options as possible. https://behrend.psu.edu/research-outreach/youth-education-outreach/k-12-outreach-events/math-options

Where: Penn State Behrend, 4701 College Drive, Erie, PA 16563

When: Tuesday, May 12, 2026

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Contact Information:YouthOutreach@psu.edu; 814-898-6871.

The Manufacturing in Motion project gives students the opportunity to engage in career conversations with team members from participating companies.

If you’re interested in bringing Manufacturing in Motion to a group of students or young adults you work with, please contact Tara Lawrence at tlawrence@nwirc.org.

We’re excited to announce NOCTI’s 2026–27 development projects—and we’re looking for passionate Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to help bring them to life!

This year's lineup includes:

• Building Trades Maintenance
• Computer Programming
• Criminal Justice
• Employability Skills
• Health Assisting
• Horticulture-Landscaping
• Production Agriculture
• Television Production

As an SME, you’ll help ensure each credential is accurate, industry-aligned, and truly reflective of real-world skills. It’s a great way to give back, influence national standards, and help shape the future workforce.

If you have expertise in any of these areas—or know someone who does—we’d love to have you on board. Thanks for helping build the next generation of high-quality NOCTI credentials!

Learn More and Apply!

Want to know more about pre-apprenticeships?

Are you interested in learning more about how to start a pre‑apprenticeship program at your school? If your school already offers a pre‑apprenticeship, would you like to share your experience with others?

If so, sign up to receive updates about the ERC’s upcoming pre‑apprenticeship clinics. Beginning in February, these virtual sessions will bring together schools with CTE programs and experts in pre‑apprenticeship development to discuss best practices, common challenges, and practical tips for building and sustaining strong programs.

The date, time, and first guest speaker will be announced later this month. Sign up today to be notified when registration opens.

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