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2026 KACTE Summer Program
Type: Computer Science clear filter
Tuesday, July 21
 

10:00am EDT

AP Cybersecurity and AP Networking
Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
Launching in 2026-2027, AP Cybersecurity prepares students for high-demand careers by blending rigorous academics with real-world, career-connected learning. AP Networking will launch in the 2027-28 school year and will help students learn about how networks are set up and connect so many parts of our lives. This session introduces the course framework, exam design, and work-aligned scenarios that develop essential technical and professional skills. No prior coding or cybersecurity experience is required. Learn how AP Cybersecurity and AP Networking fit into CTE pathways, engage industry partners, and expand access to future-ready opportunities for all students.
Speakers
avatar for Willis Holmes

Willis Holmes

2703395454, Hopkins County Career and Technology Center
Computer Science Teacher
Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
Poplar - West - 3rd Floor

10:00am EDT

Beyond the Classroom: The KINETIC Externship Experience
Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
This session brings together educators and industry partners to share insights from the KINETIC Teacher Externship Experience. Teachers and industry leaders will discuss what they learned from working alongside one another, how industry practices are informing classroom instruction, and how these partnerships are strengthening career pathways. Attendees will gain practical takeaways for building authentic, workforce-aligned learning experiences.
Speakers
avatar for Monique Rice

Monique Rice

502-507-5210, Advance KY
Program Director at Advance KY
SM

Sherri McGuffin

502-507-5210, Advance KY
Manager of Development & Innovation
Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
Walnut - West - 3rd Floor

10:00am EDT

Powering the Pipeline: Computer Science Updates
Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
This session provides a comprehensive update on Kentuckys Computer Science pathways, highlighting recent changes, emerging initiatives, and key considerations for the upcoming school year. Participants will review pathway updates, standards alignment, and industry certification considerations, while exploring how computer science instruction continues to support career readiness and workforce development across the state. Designed for teachers, administrators, and CTE leaders, this session will offer practical insights, clarify expectations, and highlight opportunities to strengthen and sustain a high-quality computer science pipeline for students.
Speakers
TB

Tabitha Berger

859-609-5116, KDE
Computer Science and Media Arts
Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
Holly - West - 3rd Floor

11:30am EDT

Industry & Innovators Luncheon (RSVP Required)
Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
The Industry & Innovators Luncheon brings together educators, business leaders, and industry professionals for meaningful conversations focused on innovation, workforce readiness, and the future of career pathways in Computer Science and Media Arts. This collaborative event provides an opportunity for teachers to connect directly with industry partners, explore emerging trends and technologies, and discuss the real-world skills students need to succeed in today’s evolving workforce.
Speakers
TB

Tabitha Berger

859-609-5116, KDE
Computer Science and Media Arts
Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Holly - West - 3rd Floor

1:00pm EDT

CS Reimagined: A Review of the New National Standards
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
This working session is designed for educators and leaders actively engaged in Computer Science standards revision. Participants will receive an overview of the new National Computer Science Standards and examine what has changed, what remains consistent, and why these shifts matter for classrooms and programs. The session will focus on key updates related to emerging technologies, equity, and real-world application, with guided discussion on implications for curriculum, instruction, and pathway alignment.
Speakers
SJ

Sean Jackson

502-564-4286, Kentucky Department of Education
CS/IT Academy Program ManagerK-12 Computer Science Lead
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Walnut - West - 3rd Floor

3:00pm EDT

CertPREP Practice Tests, powered by GMetrix - Using the Features to the Fullest
Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
CertPREP Practice Tests, powered by Gmetrix are the BEST way to ensure your students are prepared for Certiport certifications! Join us to learn the best practices for utilizing this amazing resource in your classroom. We will discuss, giving your students access, creating customized exams to investigate specific content, aligning your practice exams to curriculum, and evaluating student progress with reporting.
Speakers
LS

Logan Staab

7852598674, Certiport
Specialist, Partnership Management, Certiport
Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Poplar - West - 3rd Floor

3:00pm EDT

Engaging students and educators with STEAM / STEM with affordable options of curriculum and hardware
Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
We will introduce free curriculum for instructors to teach EMG (electromyography), neuroscience, AI and coding. Participants will also explore meaningful, hands-on projects powered by affordable, industry-derived hardware, nurturing transferable skills and preparing students for career readiness.
Speakers
avatar for Jarratt Bryan

Jarratt Bryan

706-346-8731, Learning Labs, Inc.
Kentucky - Regional Manager, Vice President - Marketing
AG

Alex Gray

(214) 673-0516, Neuromaker
Director of Partnerships and Enablement
Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Walnut - West - 3rd Floor

4:00pm EDT

Using Linux to Enhance Web Design Instruction
Tuesday July 21, 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
After your students have designed their gorgeous websites, how can they share them with the world? The answer is a Linux web server! My district will never let students upload websites to the wide open Internet! I hear some of you say. Fear not! Its incredibly easy to have a local server where your students can upload their sites and only students in your classroom can see them. During this presentation, some of the things we will cover are 1) why exposure to Linux is important for budding web designers, 2) how you can setup Linux using just my Windows PC, 3) Linux commands any user should know, 4) and how students can connect and upload their work to a Linux server. Instructional videos and PDF cheat sheets will be provided that can be used free of charge in your classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Jerry T. Smith

Jerry T. Smith

6062729113, Breathitt Co Area Technology Center
teacher
Tuesday July 21, 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Poplar - West - 3rd Floor
 
Wednesday, July 22
 

8:00am EDT

Beyond the Buzz: Implementing AI with Purpose Across a District
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am EDT
As AI reshapes every career sector, districts must move beyond isolated tools and toward a coherent, sustainable AI strategy. This session explores how Advance KY, in partnership with a local school district, designed a scalable, equitable, and standards-aligned plan for implementing AI across CTE programs focused on curriculum, teacher readiness, ethics, and long-term sustainability.
Speakers
avatar for Monique Rice

Monique Rice

502-507-5210, Advance KY
Program Director at Advance KY
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am EDT
Walnut - West - 3rd Floor

8:00am EDT

Learning Through Experience: Expansive Learning Through VR
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:00am - 11:00am EDT
Presentation will cover basic tools and concepts for designing and developing virtual reality applications for the Meta Quest 3 headset. We will also touch on the research and data behind the tools, and ways to integrate these tools and applications into the classroom and workplace training environments.
Speakers
avatar for David Bosquez

David Bosquez

6067296345, Somerset Community College
Virtual Reality Project Manager
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:00am - 11:00am EDT
Holly - West - 3rd Floor

10:00am EDT

Where AI Meets Cyber: Teaching the Future of Digital Defense
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
This session explores how AI is reshaping cyber threats and defenses and shows educators how to use AI-focused resources within the CYBER.ORG curriculum to strengthen students’ cybersecurity knowledge and workforce skills. Attendees will examine practical, responsible strategies for integrating AI into instruction—preserving hands-on learning and minimizing passive screen time—through guided reviews of age-appropriate, ethical, and career-aligned lessons and activities. The session offers ready-to-use classroom activities, implementation models for different grade bands, and approaches to make AI accessible and engaging from basic digital literacy to advanced cybersecurity, leaving educators with actionable next steps, direct CYBER.ORG resource links, and greater confidence in preparing students for an AI-enabled cybersecurity workforce.
Speakers
avatar for Jeff Ramsey

Jeff Ramsey

318-841-9612, CYBER.ORG
Advanced Cybersecurity Advisor
avatar for John Holloway

John Holloway

318-841-9612, CYBER.ORG
Cybersecurity Advisor
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
Walnut - West - 3rd Floor

1:00pm EDT

Building Career Pathways with CYBER.ORG's No Cost Cybersecurity Curriculum
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Equip your students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in the cybersecurity field using CYBER.ORG's no-cost Career and Technical Education resources. Designed for all skill levels, from beginners to more experienced learners, these engaging, hands-on courses are aligned with CompTIA certification objectives, preparing students for industry-recognized credentials such as Security+, Network+, and Tech+. In this session, we'll explore how CYBER.ORG's curriculum can strengthen your cybersecurity program, empower the next generation of cyber professionals, and support students' paths to certifications that open doors to rewarding career opportunities. Participants will step into the roles of both attackers and defenders using the CYBER.ORG Range to experience a realistic cybersecurity scenario.
Speakers
avatar for Jeff Ramsey

Jeff Ramsey

318-841-9612, CYBER.ORG
Advanced Cybersecurity Advisor
avatar for John Holloway

John Holloway

318-841-9612, CYBER.ORG
Cybersecurity Advisor
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Poplar - West - 3rd Floor

1:00pm EDT

Building Models with Machine Learning
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Participants will build a linear regression ML learning model (will need a laptop)
Speakers
avatar for William Conn

William Conn

6065214273, WeLeadCS
Cyber Security Instructor WeLeadCS, Doctoral Student @ Marymount University in Cyber Security emphasis in Machine Learning.
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Walnut - West - 3rd Floor

3:00pm EDT

Changing Students Lives with Certiport Industry Certifications
Wednesday July 22, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Want to find new and exciting ways to help change students' lives to set them up for future success? Come join Logan Staab, your Certiport Specialist, and we will discuss how Certiport certifications can help students who are ready to continue their education past high school or who are just ready to jump into the workforce! Discussion will also include turning your classroom into a Certiport Test Center, ensuring student success on certification day, how to use the reporting available, and how to keep your students engaged and excited about your program.
Speakers
LS

Logan Staab

7852598674, Certiport
Specialist, Partnership Management, Certiport
Wednesday July 22, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Poplar - West - 3rd Floor

3:00pm EDT

Preparing for Kentucky’s AI Pathway: Curriculum Resources and Practical AI Tools
Wednesday July 22, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
This session is designed to support Kentucky educators as they prepare for the upcoming Artificial Intelligence (AI) pathway rollout in 2027–2028. As a member of the AI standards writing committee and the first teacher to pilot the AI pathway, the presenter will share insights into how pathway standards are being translated into instructional planning, curriculum selection, partnerships, certification alignment, and classroom-ready resources. Participants will explore curriculum materials aligned to Kentucky's AI pathway standards and learn about practical AI tools that can be responsibly integrated to support teaching, learning, and student engagement regardless of prior AI experience.
Speakers
avatar for Drew Fulkerson

Drew Fulkerson

2709295910, IMPACT Center for Leadership and Innovation
Artificial Intelligence Instructor
Wednesday July 22, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Holly - West - 3rd Floor

4:00pm EDT

Computer Science by Abstraction - A Proven Approach to Advanced CS Education
Wednesday July 22, 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Learn to develop and practice hands-on computer science projects that effectively teach problem-solving through abstraction. This session introduces foundational concepts developed by John DeNero and UC Berkeley faculty for their introductory CS course (CS61A), combined with practical strategies for classroom integration and validation from industry partners. Facilitated using Python, this workshop is designed for CS educators comfortable with or highly interested in function design and object-oriented implementation. Participants should bring a laptop equipped with a development environment (such as VSCode), though paper algorithms are also welcome.
Speakers
QT

Quincy Tennyson

5024751409, Fern Creek High School
Computer Science Teacher
Wednesday July 22, 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Holly - West - 3rd Floor

4:00pm EDT

Implementing OpenEDG Industry-Recognized Certifications in CTE Pathways
Wednesday July 22, 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
This session introduces Open Education and Development Group (OpenEDG) and its portfolio of industry-recognized certifications in programming, web development, and emerging technologies. Participants will explore how OpenEDG certifications can be embedded into CTE pathways to provide students with meaningful credentials aligned to workforce needs while supporting district and school funding opportunities. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of OpenEDG's certification pathways (entry-level through associate/professional), available FREE curriculum and learning resources, and the exam delivery and proctoring process. Participants will leave with actionable guidance on how to begin implementing OpenEDG certifications within their programs.
Speakers
avatar for OpenEDG

OpenEDG

Strategic Growth and Ops Director, Open Education and Development Group LLC
Contact: Roobed Trejo, [email protected]
Wednesday July 22, 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Poplar - West - 3rd Floor
 
Thursday, July 23
 

8:00am EDT

Certiport: Choosing an Exam Delivery System
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am EDT
With the release of Compass Cloud, Certiport now offers multiple exam delivery options for students to use in obtaining certification. Come join Logan Staab your Certiport Specialist who will go into detail about Compass for Windows, Compass Cloud and Exams from Home which will help you choose what is best for your classroom. Discussion will include technical requirements, scheduling exams, exam offerings and support.
Speakers
LS

Logan Staab

7852598674, Certiport
Specialist, Partnership Management, Certiport
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am EDT
Poplar - West - 3rd Floor
 
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2026 KACTE Summer Program
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