 Image: Bikes and Books (Flickr)
It has been an odd winter! I appreciate less snow shoveling, but I sympathize with all the pond hockey folks, snowmobilers, ice fishers, and skaters and skiers out there who are having a disappointing season.
Cheer up! We are working on a couple of new resources along with updates to a number of current MDE CTE ones. You can always find any new information at the CTE webpages at the MDE website. However, I will send out special notices when those resources are ready in the next couple of weeks.
In this newsletter, I have information about the new Safety in CTE page. There is also news about upcoming conferences and events, professional development opportunities, grant/scholarship opportunities, and summer workshops. I will keep sending out information, but feel free to connect if you have anything you want to share about these topics or something else that keeps you up at nights!
Take care and have a great journey until spring!
Tim Barrett
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New Safety in CTE Webpage!
There is a critical need for safety resources in school learning labs, shops, and workspace-based programs. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) worked with various community constituents to develop a statewide safety guidance resource. In addition, MDE has created guidance about specific safety issues that have been raised since the safety resource was established. All of these resources have been brought together on a single webpage on the MDE website.
Check it out and let us know what other resources would be helpful!
Real Time Talent Minnesota Career & Technical Education Pathway Reports
Career and Technical Education: Workforce Trends and Careers of Tomorrow – These new, updated regional labor market reports and corresponding presentations support navigating changes in local labor markets and explore how these changes may impact enrollment, industry, career advancement, and the needed programs of study by region of Minnesota.
2023 Tekne Award Winners Announced
The Minnesota Technology Association hosted the 25th annual Tekne Awards on Thursday, November 16, recognizing the most innovative and impactful individuals, organizations, and companies in Minnesota’s technology community. One of Trade and Industry’s own, Shannon Seaver of Edina High School, was selected as Tech Educator of the Year. As the co-lead of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) department, Shannon’s transformative leadership has reshaped the department, aligning it with in-demand career pathways and preparing students for the jobs of the future.
Congratulations, Shannon!
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MDE Trade and Industry Professional Development
A number of professional development opportunities are available this year for Trade & Industry teachers. Check out the ones that can best help you and your program. You will find more information about the various offerings in the Trade and Industry Professional Development Calendar.
Also, feel free to suggest further topics for discussion. Send any ideas to Tim Barrett.
ASE National Instructor Education Conference
The 10th Annual ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Instructor Training Conference will be live and in person at Minneapolis on July 15-18, 2024. There will be 20+ hours of technical update training, connect with industry peers, and much more! Find more event and contact information on the ASE Education Foundation website.
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Computer Science Professional Learning
Applications are open for the Professional Learning Program for middle and high school educators! If you’re interested in teaching computer science for the 2024-25 academic year, this is a great opportunity to explore CS curriculum and collaborate with educators of all experience levels to develop lesson plans and teaching strategies. Middle and high school teachers will begin with a five-day in-person workshop on Computer Science Discoveries, Computer Science Principles, and Computer Science A in the summer, with quarterly meetings thereafter.
SCSU WBL Endorsement Option/Summer Workshops
St. Cloud State University (SCSU)'s Department of Environmental and Technological Studies offers a number of online and in-person courses to assist Trade and Industry teachers with licensure, now including courses for a work-based learning endorsement.
Please check the SCSU website for more information and to register.
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Remaining Construct Tomorrow Plans School Year Events
The Construct Tomorrow program provides students with information about career training and opportunities in the construction industry. The team includes staff members from Apprenticeship Minnesota, apprenticeship coordinators, prime and sub-contractors and local educators. The organizers host events for students to introduce them to opportunities in the construction industry.
You will find more information and updates at the Construct Tomorrow website.
Free NSTI Summer Camp
Students entering grades 8-12 and interested in learning more about engineering and transportation are invited to apply for one or two week-long camps in June on the South Dakota State University (SDSU) campus. All selected students will receive scholarships to attend the National Summer Transportation Institute. The scholarship will cover the cost of on-campus housing, food and workshops. During this one-week-long summer camp, students will be introduced to different aspects of transportation engineering, such as planning, materials, and transportation modes among other topics. Students will also have an opportunity to participate in hands-on lab activities in workshops and learn from experts about the transportation sector and the problems transportation engineers solve.
Application deadline is May 10, 2024.
For more information and registration, check out the SDSU registration webpage.
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Machine Design Regional Contests
In the spring, the Minnesota State Engineering Center for Excellence hosts a number of regional machine design contests across Minnesota and the region. You can learn more about when those contests are being held, how to register, and what resources are available to middle and high school teachers at the Minnesota State website.
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2024 PIM Scholarship Application Deadline is April 1!
The Printing Industry Midwest Education Foundation is accepting applications for 2024– 25 school year. Completed scholarship applications are due April 1, 2024. PIM Scholarships are available to students pursuing a two- or four-year degree in Graphic Communications-related majors. This includes:
- Press Operation,
- Print Management,
- Graphic Design,
- and other degrees involving print.
The applicant must reside in the state of Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota or North Dakota. For more information, visit the PIM website.
African American Registry
The African American Registry (AAREG) is the most comprehensive online database resource of African American heritage in the world and originated and is located right here in Minnesota. The searchable registry includes information about the diverse people who have impacted the Trade & Industry community. You can find the registry and other resources at the AAREG website.
Learn About HVAC Careers
Auer Steel and Heating Supply Company is focused on working with the education community to help spread the word about the HVAC industry. They would love to partner with you to bring awareness of an exciting and growing career field for your students. A representative from the company will share a brief presentation and lead some hands-on exercises that paint a picture of what it is like to work as an HVAC technician. Please feel free to call or text Greg Olson on his cell phone at 612-508-3173 or email him at greg.olson@auersteel.com to start the process.
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MAPA Scholarships for High School Students
The Minnesota Asphalt Pavement Association (MAPA) will award up to 10 scholarships for $1,000 each to students interested in pursuing a career in road construction or asphalt industry. Students can be pursuing a two- or four-year degree in programs such as: Heavy Equipment Operation and Maintenance, Construction Management, Heavy Construction Equipment, Trucking, Diesel Maintenance, Construction Technology, Civil Engineering or other related degrees.
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Horatio Alger Career & Technical Scholarships
The Career & Technical Scholarship Program are awarded to students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their lives who wish to pursue a career or technical education at an accredited non-profit post-secondary institution in the United States. Funds may be used for tuition, fees, books and supplies.
The Horatio Alger Career & Technical Education Scholarship application will open on March 15 with a priority deadline of June 15 each year. Should spaces remain, the application will remain open until all scholarships are awarded. Please refer to the CTE Scholarship page to confirm the current application status.
All scholarship funds are paid directly to the institution on behalf of the recipient. Complete details are available at the Horatio Alger Association Scholarship webpage.
MHCA Scholarship
The Minnesota Heating & Cooling Association (MHCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the betterment of the HVAC industry. The MHCA will once again be offering scholarships to students pursuing a career in the HVAC field. Individuals who are seeking a career in the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) field are invited to apply.
Multiple $1,000.00 scholarships may be available. Applications Due March 31, 2024.
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MDE Trade and Industry Page
Check out the webpage at the Minnesota Department Of Education (MDE) for Trade and Industry for the most recent information about the various topics concerning Career and Technical Education (CTE) program areas of Construction, Manufacturing, Transportation, and Communications Technology.
DLI Construction Career Resources
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) have updated resources for educators and school counselors to share with students about careers in construction and the skilled trades. We encourage you to use these resources and share them with fellow educators and your students.
All of the resources are available on the Trade & Industry page of the Minnesota Department Education (MDE) website or the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry website.
Drones and Wildfires Resource
There is important information available about temporary restrictions that exist around flying drones near firefighting sites. Check out material about restricted airspace around wildfires at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) website or the United States Forest Service webpage.
More Resources Available from NCAT
The National Center for Autonomous Technologies (NCAT) has been busy adding Course Curriculum resources to their online library. Curricula include electricity & electronics, remote sensing, UAS systems, and robotics. Included are complete course packages, as well as activities, lectures, lesson plans, student guides and more. These cost-free resources are available for download. Interested in sharing your course curriculum with the AT community? NCAT has made this simple by adding the "Submit a Resource" feature to our website.
Green Careers for a Changing Climate
The Green Careers for a Changing Climate Instructional Supplement from Climate Generation contains resources to help young people grades 6-8 learn about Green STEM Careers—careers that can help solve climate change impacts using STEM skills. Includes connections to Project Drawdown solutions and can be used in any subject area!
Check Out These Additional Career Exploration or Curriculum Resources:
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Want to let folks know about a great project or new program or initiative? Know of a great resource or professional development opportunity you would like to share? Have a burning question that needs answering?
Let me know about it so I can include it in an upcoming newsletter. If you have images that go with the information, please send it along to Tim Barrett (tim.barrett@state.mn.us).
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Professional Organizations:
- International Technology and Engineering Education Association (ITEEA) – Find more information at the ITEEA website.
- Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) – Learn more at the ACTE website.
Minnesota-Based Partner Organizations:
- Midwest Teachers of Transportation and Industrial Areas (MTTIA) – Sign up to join at the MTTIA website.
- Minnesota Technology and Engineering Education Association (MTEEA) – Get more information at the MTEEA website.
- Minnesota chapter of the Computer Science Teacher Association (CSTA MN) – Get more information at the CSTA MN website.
- SkillsUSA Minnesota – For more information, visit the Minnesota chapter of SkillsUSA at the SkillsUSA Minnesota website.
- Minnesota Association of Career and Technical Administrators (MACTA) – Check out how MACTA helps support CTE on the MACTA website.
Minnesota State’s Centers of Excellence
Explore the Minnesota State Centers of Excellence.
Labor Market Infographics
This page has links to a number of helpful infographics that provide key data to parents concerning the value of CTE career pathways.
RealTime Talent Minnesota Career & Technical Education Pathway Reports
These labor market reports and corresponding presentations provide future trends in workforce needs by regions of Minnesota.
DEED Regional Labor Market Profiles
Downloadable information about jobs/careers most needed per state region.
Advisory Committee Handbook
This handbook was developed to help build and sustain a strong and active advisory committee.
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