ACTE's National Work-Based Learning Conference 2026

Join education innovators Kristy Volesky and Scott Carr as they reveal a transformative approach to work-based learning that moves beyond isolated programs to create comprehensive educational ecosystems. This session unpacks the essential mindset shifts and structural changes needed to authentically connect students with opportunities that build social capital and economic mobility.
Participants will engage in guided assessment activities to identify barriers in their current systems and discover strategic solutions applicable to diverse educational settings. Through facilitated discussion and practical application exercises, attendees will explore customized implementation roadmaps addressing both cultural and structural challenges leading to practical work-based learning opportunities for students..
School leaders, CTE coordinators, and WBL professionals will leave with practical understandings that include an awareness of a culture-building framework, partnership development strategies, and implementation approaches that can be immediately applied to create meaningful work-based learning experiences that genuinely prepare students for future success.