Expanding Rural Student Opportunities Through Partnerships and Storytelling

October 19, 2026
2:15 PM-3:00 PM Central Time
Room 209

Presenters:

• Lisa Kerscher, Brightways Learning

• Conrad Woodhead, Kusilvak Career Academy - Lower Yukon School District 

• Theresa Henery, Kusilvak Career Academy - Lower Yukon School District 

• Aaron Schorn, Unrulr

Rural schools often rely on school and community resources augmented by outside partners, as they typically operate in isolation with limited access to workforce partners, postsecondary pathways, and student support services. A CTE director and collaborators share how a rural Alaska district addressed equity gaps in CTE and dual-credit programs by empowering students as storytellers of their experiences and built a consortium-based ecosystem connecting K–12 schools, universities, nonprofits, and industry. Come explore how braided funding and cross-sector partnerships expand career exploration, dual credit, and workforce development, while strengthening student voice and wraparound supports. The resulting ecosystem improves engagement, stability, and long-term success for rural students.

To find out more about this event, click here.