UTICA, NY – Secondary educators, post-secondary faculty, administrators, and industry partners from across the region gathered at SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) on October 28, for one of six regional “Framing Tomorrow – Regional Collaborations” events hosted statewide by the CTE Technical Assistance Center (CTE TAC) of New York.

The event brought together educators, workforce leaders, and business partners for a day of networking, shared learning, and strategic dialogue centered on the future of Career & Technical Education (CTE) in New York State. The “Framing Tomorrow” series aims to strengthen connections among stakeholders, align CTE instruction with industry needs, and inspire collaboration that shapes future policy and practice.

“Hosting the ‘Framing Tomorrow’ event aligns perfectly with SUNY Poly’s commitment to strengthening the connection between education and workforce development,” said Erica Schoff, Senior Director of Workforce Development. “While our Office of Workforce Development is new, this type of work has long been part of SUNY Poly’s mission. Events like this underscore how we’re building on that foundation, expanding partnerships with educators, industry, and community organizations to create even more pathways that connect learning to real-world opportunities. The collaboration we saw today, including experiences like the trucking simulation trailer, truly reflects that shared vision for the future.”

“As the convening agency, the CTE Technical Assistance Center partners with host sites like SUNY Polytechnic Institute, so New York’s CTE teachers stay current with what employers and colleges need. At ‘Framing Tomorrow,’ more than 75 attendees from secondary and postsecondary CTE as well as industry partners explored the New York State Portrait of a Graduate, formally adopted by the Board of Regents in July 2025, and began mapping how CTE can keep growing to meet what today’s graduates need. Participants spent time with industry experts, visited SUNY Poly labs tied to their content areas, and rated the day 4.5 out of 5. We are grateful to SUNY Poly faculty and leaders for opening their doors and helping educators bring fresh, real-world learning back to their classrooms,” said Tanner Thompson, Field Team Associate, CTE Technical Assistance Center.

The morning session, “Bringing the Portrait of a Graduate to Life Through Partnership,” encouraged participants to explore how schools and industry can work together to prepare well-rounded graduates equipped with the skills, habits, and mindsets needed for success. The afternoon “Portrait in Practice” sessions provided an opportunity for attendees to collaborate in smaller groups focused on specific pathways aligned with Advance CTE’s Career Cluster Framework.

In addition to the day’s discussions, attendees and SUNY Poly students also had the chance to experience the Shay Legacy Foundation/Trucking Association of New York Simulation Trailer. The fully functional commercial driving simulator offers a realistic hands-on view of the trucking industry, featuring a complete driver cockpit, three 55-inch monitors, and over 150 driving scenarios simulating diverse conditions such as rural and suburban roads, night driving, fog, rain, and snow. Participants had the opportunity to test their skills behind the wheel during short interactive driving segments.

The “Framing Tomorrow” regional series continues across New York State through November. Together, these events form a statewide platform for innovation, equity, and excellence in CTE education, helping schools and colleges collaborate to prepare students for the evolving needs of New York’s economy.