Sessions of 2026 Connection Conference: Kim Reynolds
Reynolds, Kim
Senior Program Manager
Kim Reynolds is a Senior Program Manager on the Youth Entrepreneurship team at Arizona State University’s J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute, where she draws on her experience as a former high school Business and Economics teacher and CTE director to support career-connected learning and real-world skill development. She works with her team and cross-sector partners to integrate entrepreneurship and invention education into existing coursework and pathways, helping design or enhance initiatives and shaping the wraparound structures, frameworks, and connections that make these opportunities fit seamlessly into instructional practice without adding unnecessary complexity for educators. A recognized leader in invention education and youth innovation ecosystems, Kim focuses on long-term program sustainability by developing models that can endure staffing shifts, policy changes, and evolving priorities. Her expertise includes design thinking, curriculum development, and the strategic use of emerging technologies—such as AI, AR/VR, drones, and digital learning tools—all grounded in practical classroom integration.
Sessions:
[5822] Leading Invention Education in CTE: Tools, Strategies, and Classroom Practice
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Westin La Paloma
- Business and Marketing Education
This interactive session focuses on leading invention education in CTE classrooms using practical tools, strategies, and classroom practices. Participants will engage in core invention activities including problem identification, ideation, rapid prototyping, and pitching, grounded in business thinking and shaped by hands-on, applied learning. The session highlights free, classroom-ready resources and facilitation strategies that support student engagement across CTE pathways and CTSOs. Educators will leave with adaptable activities they can immediately implement within existing courses and student organizations.
[5825] Why Invention Belongs in CTE
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Westin La Paloma
- Business and Marketing Education
Invention education is quickly becoming part of the national CTE landscape, grounded in business skills such as problem identification, customer discovery, and pitching, shaped by field experience and real-world application. This session introduces Invention Convention Arizona and explores how invention education shows up in business and beyond, especially in skilled trades and technical fields. Participants will learn what Invention Convention is, why many inventors emerge directly from hands-on, applied careers, and how invention education can be embedded into existing CTE programs and CTSOs. Educators will leave with a clearer understanding of how invention education supports real-world learning across CTE pathways.
[5821] Invention Education Lab: Planning for Your Next CTE Year
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Westin La Paloma
- Business and Marketing Education
This facilitated lab-style session provides dedicated time for educators to apply invention education within their own CTE context. Participants will work through planning tools and guided prompts to explore where invention fits into existing courses, CTSOs, and schedules for the upcoming year. With support in the room, educators will test ideas, map integration points, and troubleshoot challenges alongside peers. The session emphasizes experimentation, collaboration, and practical planning rather than presentation. Educators will leave with a draft plan, next steps, and increased confidence to implement invention education in their programs. This lab pairs well with Why Invention Belongs in CTE and Leading Invention Education in CTE.
[5823] Mission: Innovation—Engaging Youth Through the AYA Hub
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Westin La Paloma
- Business and Marketing Education
High school students don’t just dream about change, they can build it. The AYA Innovation Hub, created in partnership with Arizona State University’s J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute, guides students from identifying real-world challenges to designing businesses or nonprofits that address them. In this 90-minute session, educators will explore how the curriculum blends entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and innovation through hands-on missions that bring learning to life. Students practice problem-solving, collaboration, and pitching, strengthening college and career readiness. Presenters will share classroom and camp stories highlighting student growth in confidence and resilience. Participants will leave with practical strategies, resources, and dedicated planning time to support classroom implementation.
