The Palmetto Education Summit 2026

Join us for an educator-focused session on how WIN Learning’s Career Readiness Solutions are helping strengthen CTE programs and drive student success. Hear how schools and programs across South Carolina are using WIN’s Academic and Soft Skills courseware and credentials to build employability skills, increase student confidence, and support stronger placement, progression, and retention within CTE pathways. During this session, we’ll highlight implementation strategies from educators and workforce professionals across the state. You’ll see how WIN is integrated into daily instruction, career exploration, and program design—along with key insights on the measurable impact on both students and employers. Whether you’re new to WIN or looking to enhance your current implementation, you’ll leave with practical strategies, fresh ideas, and actionable insights you can immediately apply in your classroom or program.

This session will introduce you to your Regional Career Specialist team and the services they offer. Your Regional Career Specialist team is your direct connection to the South Carolina Department of Education, Office of Career Readiness.

South Carolina career centers stand at a crossroads. As workforce demands accelerate in advanced manufacturing, logistics, EV technology, healthcare, and construction, career centers must evolve beyond elective providers into regional workforce engines. This session will challenge traditional thinking and provide a bold, practical blueprint for making your career center innovative, regionally relevant, and academically rigorous. Participants will explore academy models, honors frameworks, equipment modernization strategies, industry alignment structures, and measurable performance metrics that elevate credibility and outcomes. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to shift culture, perception, and performance. This session is designed for CTE directors, administrators, principals, superintendents, and workforce partners ready to disrupt the status quo.

South Carolina is entering an exciting new era in school counseling and career guidance—and this session gives leaders the tools, clarity, and confidence to put the state’s revised Comprehensive School Counseling and Career Guidance Framework into action. Participants will explore the Framework’s four core components—Define, Deliver, Manage, and Assess—and discover how these elements work together to create coherent, aligned, and student‑centered programs across K–12 settings. The session will also unpack the Framework’s three developmental domains—Learning to Learn, Learning to Live, and Learning to Work—illustrating how they strengthen academic, personal–social, and career readiness through intentional skill‑building opportunities. Participants will gain essential updates on South Carolina‑specific legal requirements, including the EEDA, SC Code §59‑59‑120, the state’s 300:1 student–counselor ratio guideline, and scope‑of‑practice expectations that shape daily implementation statewide. Through interactive problem‑solving, real school scenarios, and collaborative discussions, attendees will practice applying the Framework in authentic contexts. Participants will leave with clear, actionable strategies they can implement immediately—strengthening program alignment, improving school‑wide systems, and ensuring every student receives high‑quality, developmentally appropriate counseling and career guidance. 

What sets a top-performing CTE program apart? Join this session to uncover the strategies behind a cutting-edge program that’s preparing students to lead in high-demand industries. In this session, you’ll gain actionable strategies and tactics that empower students with career-ready skills. Walk away with practical ideas, innovative approaches, and proven methods to elevate your own CTE program and inspire the next generation of changemakers

As esports continues to emerge as a high-impact educational pathway, South Carolina is uniquely positioned to lead with a cohesive, standards-driven, and student-centered approach. This session provides a comprehensive, implementation-focused framework for schools and districts seeking to launch or expand scholastic esports programs aligned to academic, workforce, and student engagement outcomes. Participants will explore how South Carolina Scholastic Esports (SCSE) is building a statewide ecosystem that empowers educators, expands equitable access, and creates sustainable pathways for students. Drawing on real course design models and program structures, including standards-aligned curricula that integrate technology, media, business, and student leadership, this session demonstrates how esports can function as a scalable Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway that develops critical thinking, collaboration, and career readiness skills.

The Anderson Institute of Technology is a multi-district career center serving students from 3 school districts (Anderson 3, 4, and 5). In this session, administration will share innovative practices to help students become college and/or career ready, including non-diploma students. We will discuss the strategies (what worked and what didn’t) and how we collaborated with each of our feeder high schools to meet their individual needs and implementation of work-based learning opportunities. Additionally, we will discuss the hiring of a Transition Instructor and how this position supports our teachers and students, especially those students with IEPs 14 and 504 plans, and our future plans to expand course offerings for students with disabilities.

Career readiness becomes real when districts give every student a clear line of sight to their future—and when leaders have real-time, trusted insights to measure progress consistently across schools. This session outlines a practical framework for building a districtwide, school‑to‑workforce data ecosystem anchored in Naviance and aligned to state expectations.

Attendees will learn how districts use a centralized platform to strengthen advising, track CTE participation, and support postsecondary transitions with greater clarity and confidence. We’ll focus on what it takes to connect the dots across buildings, partners, and data systems in a way that is streamlined, sustainable, and aligned to district priorities—bringing transparency to career‑readiness efforts while maintaining a secure and governed data environment.

      Key topics include:

District‑aligned definitions of career‑readiness milestones

Seamless coordination between Naviance and existing systems
A focused set of research‑grounded indicators supported by tools that surface insights, enable smarter decision‑making, and drive continuous improvement at scale.

For decades, Career and Technical Education (CTE) carried outdated perceptions—“vocational tracks,” limited academic rigor, and narrow post-graduation pathways. That model no longer exists. At Beaufort Jasper Academy for Career Excellence (BJACE), CTE is rigorous, industry-aligned, data-driven, and directly connected to workforce demands. Today’s CTE integrates STEM, real-world problem solving, industry certifications, work-based learning, and postsecondary partnerships to prepare students not just for jobs—but for high-wage, high-skill, high-demand careers. This session will challenge outdated assumptions about CTE and showcase how BJACE has transformed career readiness into a strategic, measurable, and future-focused system that benefits students, employers, and communities. Session DescriptionCTE has evolved from shop classes and isolated skills training into comprehensive, STEM-infused, industry-partnered pathways aligned with workforce and economic development needs. Participants will explore: How modern CTE programs align with regional labor market demands The integration of academic rigor and industry credentials The role of work-based learning and employer partnerships How career centers can serve as regional workforce engines Data-driven strategies that measure placement, certifications, and student outcomes Using BJACE as a case study, attendees will learn how one multi-district career center restructured programs to: increase industry-recognized certifications, expand work-based learning opportunities, strengthen employer partnerships, align programs with high-growth career sectors, and shift community perception about CTE. This session will provide replicable strategies that districts can implement to elevate career readiness in their own schools and regions.

Across rural South Carolina, many students lack access to high-quality enrichment and career exposure during the critical hours after school. Yet research shows the hours immediately following the school day are pivotal for learning, safety, and long-term development.
For the past decade, the Original Six Foundation has partnered with public schools across South Carolina to deliver no-cost, educator-led afterschool programming for students in rural and under-resourced communities. What began as a small pilot has grown into a collaborative model serving more than 1,000 students annually across 13 schools, combining academic support, hands-on STEAM learning, and meaningful career exploration opportunities.
The session will begin with Original Six Foundation Executive Director Kara Gormley Meador, Program Director Nick Washington, and Program Coordinator Angelica Tyler sharing how the O6 Afterschool model is helping rural students thrive. Together, they will discuss why high-quality afterschool programming is a necessity—not a luxury—in rural communities and how strategic partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations are creating new pathways to success for students.
Participants will learn how the Original Six model has evolved over the past 10 years to connect students with professionals, workplaces, and career experiences that broaden horizons and inspire future goals. From classroom career speakers to behind-the-scenes visits at companies such as Boeing, Honda, manufacturing facilities, law firms, and colleges, O6 is helping students see what is possible long before they enter the workforce.
Following a brief presentation, Kara Gormley Meador will moderate a dynamic panel discussion featuring leaders from education, workforce development, and industry who are helping shape South Carolina's future talent pipeline. Panelists will share insights on workforce trends, career readiness, employer engagement, and the importance of exposing students to career opportunities early.
Panelists include:

• Debbie Jones, Pee Dee Regional Workforce Advisor, South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce
• Robert Wingard, Honda
• Stacey McDonald, Principal, Palmetto Middle School, Marion County School District
• Nick Washington, Original Six Foundation 

Attendees will leave with practical strategies for designing nimble, responsive afterschool programming that aligns with school priorities, strengthens community partnerships, and equips students with the awareness and skills needed for future success.

This interactive session provides a comprehensive dive into state-level work-based learning implementation guidelines, strategies, and reporting accurate data in PowerSchool. It is designed to assist administrators, educators, school counselors and career guidance personnel with tools to align work-based learning programs with high-quality worksite experiences to strengthen student career readiness.

Disagreements happen in every classroom and workplace, but they don’t have to lead to negative consequences. This interactive session equips educators with practical strategies to help students navigate differing opinions with confidence and respect. Through engaging activities, role-play scenarios, and “game-style” challenges, participants will learn how to teach active listening, emotional regulation, and constructive communication. Discover how teaching active listening and conflict resolution will improve behavior in your classroom and prepare students for the world of work. Walk away with ready-to-use tools and activities.

As technological change, AI adoption, demographic shifts, and evolving workforce needs reshape the labor market, employers report that nearly 40% of core skills are expected to change by 2030. Analytical thinking, technological literacy, resilience, and global awareness are among the fastest-growing competencies. Preparing students for this future cannot begin in college alone. As South Carolina continues to strengthen its workforce pipeline, early exposure to career pathways, especially those connected to global and international industries, is critical. This session highlights a collaborative, scalable model that integrates K-12 career exploration, college readiness, and global workforce awareness into a coherent pathway from classroom to career. Drawing on initiatives from the Darla Moore School of Business’ Office of Access, Opportunity, and Community Engagement (AOCE), Office of Undergraduate Programs, and Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER), the presenters will demonstrate how early exposure to structured career pathways improves motivation, academic alignment, and postsecondary outcomes. The session will feature:AOCE’s Moore Launchpad, Power Forward and other K-12 pathway programs serving South Carolina districts, which provide early business exposure, mentoring, and structured academic preparation. Documented student outcomes, including:97% admission rate for Power Forward scholars who applied to USC92% retention rate (Year 2 to Year 3) among Rising Scholars89% average completion rate across AOCE programs International and global career awareness initiatives such as the South Carolina International Career Pathways Guide (currently in late-stage development), created by CIBER, that maps global career opportunities across industries relevant to South Carolina’s economy. Practical strategies for educators and administrators to integrate career exploration into existing advising structures, college preparation programming, and classroom experiences. Participants will leave with actionable tools to help students understand not just how to prepare for college, but how their preparation connects to meaningful, future-ready careers. Learning Objectives By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Identify evidence-based strategies for embedding career exploration into K-12 college preparation models. Understand how global and international career pathways align with South Carolina’s evolving workforce needs. Examine scalable outreach and partnership models that increase access, opportunity, and student engagement. Apply adaptable tools to align academic preparation with workforce readiness in diverse school and community contexts. Participants will engage in: A guided walkthrough of adaptable career pathway and outreach tools Small-group discussion on adapting and implementation in varied district contexts Facilitated Q&A focused on partnership-building and scaling strategies

Join a panel of business leaders to learn how working with schools helps businesses build a future-ready workforce, while providing students with authentic career exposure, internships, and skill-based learning. This session will provide strategies for educators to engage local industry and for businesses to deepen their impact on education.

You’re getting students certified—but are they truly workforce-ready? Across pathways, employers are telling us the same thing: students can perform the task, but struggle with communication, accountability, and working on a team. This session breaks down how to intentionally embed leadership and employability skills into your existing CTE programs—without adding one more thing—so students leave not just credentialed, but ready to show up, contribute, and succeed on day one.

South Carolina Expanding Computing Education Pathways (ECEP), in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Education Office of Career Readiness, is launching a statewide effort to develop South Carolina’s first comprehensive K–12 Computer Science Education Strategic Plan. Building on the state’s landmark progress—including being the first in the nation to mandate a full-credit CS graduation course—this initiative seeks to create a clear, coordinated roadmap. The plan's core objective is to strengthen instruction, expand equitable access to high-quality computer science learning, and ensure that all students graduate prepared for the rapidly evolving career and workforce.

Date: June 16, 2026, from 2:30pm-5:00pm @ Culinary Institute of Charleston, Trident Technical College, 7000 Rivers Ave. N. Charleston, 29406. Thornley Campus, Building 920 (located off of College Rd & Rivers Ave.)  Kitchen 119 (100 hallway)
Join Chef Michael Carmel as he shares some of the great stuffed pastas that represent Italy’s undiscovered regions of Emilia Romagna and Piedmonte. Learn about the importance of the flour when mixing and kneading, and the proper feel of the dough. Students will produce a classic fall squash ravioli with brown butter and sage from Parma, and agnolotti with meat broth and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese from Asti. Proper attire is required to work in the commercial kitchen, including closed-toe shoes, chef jackets, and long pants (aprons and hats will be provided).

This session will guide district and school leaders through designing or strengthening a teacher‑recruitment pathway that begins in high school by intentionally stacking two CTE courses with two Teacher Cadet courses to form a complete, coherent four‑course sequence. Participants will explore how CTE and Teacher Cadet, often operating in parallel, can be strategically aligned to create a seamless pipeline from early career exploration to hands‑on pre‑educator experiences. The session will highlight how this combined pathway increases student engagement, elevates the visibility of teaching as a profession, and supports long‑term recruitment efforts by building a homegrown pool of future educators. Attendees will examine model course progressions, practical scheduling options, and examples of successful partnerships. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with actionable next steps to launch or enhance a high‑school teacher‑recruitment pathway tailored to their district’s needs.

South Carolina’s vision is clear: Every student graduates college-ready, career-ready, or military-ready. The Palmetto Education Summit’s focus on Career Readiness and CARE (Character, Resiliency, and Student Wellness) presents a powerful opportunity — not to launch another initiative, but to strengthen and scale what is already working across our state. For more than three years, iLead — a values-based K–12 leadership curriculum — has supported South Carolina schools in developing character, resiliency, and workforce-ready competencies through peer-to-peer facilitation and educator-guided reflection. South Carolina Impact to Date:225 schools implemented85 schools currently engaged Nearly 320,000 students served Almost 10,000 educators trained This interactive session (offered as a 1-hour breakout or expanded 2-hour working session) equips district and school teams with a unified CARE + Career Readiness framework aligned to SC Department of Education priorities, SC Ready indicators, and Lt. Governor Pamela Evette’s Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders Employment Initiative. Participants will leave with a practical blueprint that integrates student wellness, leadership development, and workforce readiness — without increasing assessment burden or instructional overload. Core Components Unified CARE + Career Readiness Framework for Post-Event Planning (Middle & High School)Developmentally sequenced progression from identity formation to applied workforce skills Leadership-infused instructional strategies strengthening resiliency and employability Advisory, CTE, mentoring, and afterschool integration model sample sides for Community and business partnership activation aligned to youth employment initiatives Implementation strategies that leverage existing structures and data Strategic Alignment South Carolina Department of Education This session supports SCDE’s commitment to: Preparing students to graduate college-, career-, or military-ready Promoting character, resiliency, and student wellness Strengthening educator capacity Driving measurable outcomes without increasing testing requirements SC Ready Research affirms that belonging, self-efficacy, and engagement drive academic achievement. iLead strengthens SC Ready outcomes by increasing student voice, goal-setting habits, collaboration, literacy-rich discussion, and applied problem-solving — all within existing instructional blocks. Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders Employment Initiative Lead strengthens South Carolina’s workforce pipeline by: Building employability skills before job placement Increasing career exploration and pathway awareness Developing professionalism, communication, and leadership Preparing students for internships, apprenticeships, and youth employment Workforce readiness begins with character and identity. iLead builds both. Key Benefits For Students Increased resiliency and confidence Stronger leadership identity Clearer career direction Workforce-ready durable skills For Educators Turnkey lesson structures Elevate Impact virtual PD support No additional assessments Increased engagement and classroom culture For District Leaders Proven statewide impact Scalable framework Alignment to state priorities Measurable outcomes using existing data systems

Join us for a session of Certification Central with TOSA by Isograd.