Sessions of 2026 Midwinter Leadership Conference: Michelle Perey
Perey, Michelle
Associate Superintendent of Programs
Mountain Institute
Sessions:
From Middle School to Meaningful Careers: Rural Strategies for Early CTE Engagement
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Prescott Resort & Conference Center
How do we spark early interest in CTE pathways before students reach high school, especially in rural communities where access can be limited? The Arizona Business & Education Coalition (ABEC) and Mountain Institute CTED, together with countywide partners, are working to answer that question through the Yavapai County Future Ready Council. This collaborative effort is creating a unified model that connects middle-school career exploration with high-school CTE programs and the county’s key economic drivers, in an effort to ensure that ALL students have clear, relevant, and attainable pathways to pursue. In this session, we’ll share practical strategies, lessons learned, and actionable approaches for strengthening the bridge between middle and high school and beyond. Participants will explore how aligned efforts can ignite student interest, build academic and career readiness, and help students confidently navigate their next steps toward postsecondary education, training, and meaningful careers.
