ACTE's National Work-Based Learning Conference 2026

King George County Schools (KGCS) located in rural Virginia has less local funding and fewer industries than neighboring districts. In an effort to make its new Work-Based Learning Program sustainable despite inherent challenges, KGCS created CTEats – casual monthly stakeholder dinner meetings held at local restaurants. These events bring together educators, students, business partners, postsecondary institutions, government officials, nonprofits, and community leaders to discuss and collaborate around WBL initiatives. With 26-60 attendees per dinner and an enthusiastic community response, “CTEats” has become a powerful and cost-effective platform for generating buy-in, partnerships, and impactful resource commitments. CTE and WBL leaders will learn through his presentation how to build an ecosystem of collaboration, recognition, and celebration that can inspire partners to do more together than anyone ever thought was possible. Attendees will receive a detailed guide for executing successful “CTEats” dinner meetings of their own.