ADE Summit 2026

CTE in Arkansas is evolving—from simply offering pathways to intentionally developing durable skills that prepare students for long-term success. In this session, participants will explore how Success-Ready Pathways and durable skills align with workforce needs and the LEARNS Act. Walk away with practical strategies to strengthen programs, elevate messaging, and ensure students are truly prepared for what’s next.

While Arkansas continues to strengthen career pathways statewide, structured military career awareness has historically been limited, leaving many rural and smaller districts without knowledge of the wide range of careers available through the military. In response, Arkansas developed the Arkansas Military Service and Security Pathway (AMSSP) to ensure that all high school students, regardless of geography, can explore military service and related security careers within our existing Career and Technical Education framework.

In this session, presenters will walk through the Arkansas development sequence, including collaboration among Virtual Arkansas, the Arkansas National Guard, and the Arkansas Division of Career and Technical Education. Participants will learn how districts can provide access to students, either locally or through other avenues. We will review program requirements, credit structures, and implementation considerations so districts can determine the best fit for their context. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how this pathway supports informed student choice, workforce alignment, and equitable access across Arkansas schools.

CTE is not separate from academics—it’s one of the most powerful ways to bring them to life. This panel explores how a school moved beyond isolated instruction to intentionally embed math, literacy, and science within Career and Technical Education. Participants will examine what meaningful integration looks like in practice and leave with strategies to strengthen rigor, increase relevance, and better prepare students for enlistment, enrollment, and employment.