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ACTE's Region II Conference 2026
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Niswonger Career Pathways: Innovative Rural Approaches in Biotechnology & AI/Data Science
Thursday September 10, 2026 2:25pm - 3:10pm EDT
The Carriage Room
What if every rural student, not just a select few, could access cutting-edge career pathways in biotechnology and AI? The Niswonger Foundation has done exactly that, building two financially sustainable, academically integrated pathways serving hundreds of students across rural Appalachian Tennessee. Designed to fit within existing school structures, these pathways blend core academics with career-focused learning, meet students at every aspiration level, and pay for themselves through state funding. Attendees will explore both models in depth, examine real challenges and solutions, and use a planning framework to envision what's possible in their own district, including free curriculum and support available to get started.
Speakers
avatar for Vicki C. Kirk

Vicki C. Kirk

Director, Niswonger Career Pathways, Niswonger Foundation
Dr. Vicki Kirk retired from a career in education on June 30, 2021, and now serves as the project director for Niswonger Foundation Career Pathways. In this role, she leads the development of cutting-edge career pathways in fields such as biotechnology and AI & data science. Prior... Read More →
avatar for Lawrence

Lawrence "Law" Loving

Director, Work Force Development, Niswonger Foundation
Law is Director of Career & Workforce Readiness at the Niswonger Foundation, where he leads the CareerConnect program, which ensures students at high schools across the region have opportunities to explore careers and develop their soft skills.  He also oversees the Work Ethic Distinction... Read More →
Thursday September 10, 2026 2:25pm - 3:10pm EDT
The Carriage Room The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504
  Concurrent Session

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