ACTE's Region II Conference 2026

As states modernize their Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways to better align with workforce needs, public service and safety remains one of the most underdeveloped—and most urgently needed—career pipelines. ENGAGE is a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) designed to fill that gap by providing students with hands-on, career-aligned experiences and competitions in: 
Public Service- Government & Public Management, Applications of Law, Judicial and Legislative systems
Public Safety- Police, Fire, 911, CSI, National security, Cybersecurity, JROTC, and Civic Leadership.


This session introduces ENGAGE Youth in Government to educators, state leaders, nonprofit organizations, and workforce partners who may be unfamiliar with the model, while also offering practical guidance for states and organizations interested in launching ENGAGE in their own context. Participants will explore how ENGAGE functions as a CTSO and is uniquely aligned to Public Service and Safety career pathways. 


The session will highlight how ENGAGE integrates simulations, competitions, leadership development, and real-world industry partnerships to create a sustainable pipeline into public service and safety careers. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of ENGAGE’s structure, its alignment with modern CTE frameworks, and the steps required to pilot or scale the program at the local or state level