In this post, In-State Fellowship Administrator Tanner Thompson shares his experience and perspective on establishing the inaugural cohort of the New York Postsecondary State CTE Leaders Fellowship at Advance CTE sponsored by ECMCF (NY Fellowship).

This post is the second in a six-part blog series highlighting the NY Fellowship. The series will share successes and challenges associated with the intentional creation of a postsecondary CTE ecosystem and leadership pipeline from both the perspective of Advance CTE staff and the NY Fellowship Administrator. The Postsecondary In-State Leaders Fellowship at Advance CTE provides CTE leaders with a framework by which to develop a CTE leadership pipeline to meet the needs of learners, industry, and education agencies and institutions.

When Advance CTE offered the chance to pilot a Postsecondary State CTE Leaders Fellowship in New York, it felt like a calling—

a real opportunity to shape the future of Career Technical Education (CTE) in our state. For the New York State Association for Career and Technical Education (NYSACTE), this wasn’t just another program; it was a chance to put into practice the forward-thinking ideas of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act  (Perkins V) and to build leaders who drive meaningful change.

Leading this fellowship, alongside co-administrator Cynthia Thomas, NYSACTE Board Representative, has been one of the most defining experiences of my education career. I still remember my early days as an agricultural education teacher when I learned that strong leadership isn’t optional—it’s essential for any system to grow and serve every learner well. This fellowship has only deepened that belief, showing me firsthand what it takes to create lasting change, especially for communities that have long been left on the sidelines.

Recruiting with Purpose: More Than Just Numbers

NYSACTE’s goal was straightforward yet bold: create a group of leaders that encompasses New York’s vast CTE community. We were committed to inviting every stakeholder—across geography, race, gender, and institutional representation—to join the conversation. We used social media, especially LinkedIn, as our megaphone and partnered with the New York State Department of Education, the NYSACTE membership network, and various regional associations to spread the word.

Think about this: New York State educates nearly 100,000 secondary students in CTE programs—and even more in postsecondary CTE programs. This vast community is a gold mine for finding future leaders, including those who might never have seen themselves as trailblazers before. The result is a dynamic cohort that truly reflects the spirit of the Perkins V, setting the stage for forward-thinking leadership.

The Power of Connection: From Virtual Huddles to Real-World Impact

What really sets this fellowship apart is the human connection. We didn’t just assign mentors—we sparked conversations that matter. Each fellow was matched with an experienced coach who helps turn theory into practical, impactful projects. For example, one fellow is already working on an initiative to streamline industry partnerships in our region—a project that could benefit hundreds of students and change how local businesses and educational institutions work together.

All of our meetings have taken place virtually using tools like Basecamp and Zoom, ensuring that our 15 fellows can connect easily no matter where they are. Still, we’re excited about our upcoming in-person meeting in August—a chance to build even stronger relationships and spark new ideas face-to-face.

Each fellow was matched with an experienced coach who helps turn theory into practical, impactful projects. For example, one fellow is already working on an initiative to streamline industry partnerships in our region—a project that could benefit hundreds of students and change how local businesses and educational institutions work together.

Navigating Challenges: Turning Hurdles into Opportunities

Every new journey has its bumps. Broadening NYSACTE’s outreach efforts to postsecondary education meant we had to reframe our story and gather fresh support. Building awareness was our toughest challenge at first, but what seemed like a setback quickly turned into an opportunity—a chance to redefine NYSACTE’s mission and reaffirm the commitment to all CTE professionals, especially those working hard to expand opportunities for communities that have been historically underrepresented.

New York State invests over $1 billion every year in postsecondary education. That’s a huge responsibility and a constant reminder of the importance of strong leadership to ensure every dollar makes a difference. Every challenge we face is a step toward building a system that leaves no one behind.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for Lasting Impact

We’re still early in our inaugural cohort, but the energy is already inspiring. The excitement of our fellows, the engaging discussions, and the innovative projects underway all show that this isn’t just about filling a gap—it’s about starting a movement.

Looking forward, we have some exciting plans:

• Alumni Network: We’re setting up a network for our first cohort that will provide ongoing support and spark fresh ideas.
• Curriculum Refinement: Every workshop gives us valuable feedback, helping us continuously improve our curriculum to meet our community’s evolving needs.
• Expanded Cohorts: NYSACTE is committed to growing this initiative and will seek future external support to make the Fellowship even bigger and better.

For any state thinking about an in-state fellowship, here’s my advice: dive in with your eyes wide open. It takes a lot of time, energy, and resources, but the rewards—in terms of real, lasting change and better opportunities for every learner—are huge.

The excitement of our fellows, the engaging discussions, and the innovative projects underway all show that this isn’t just about filling a gap—it’s about starting a movement.

This fellowship is more than just a program—it’s about transforming lives. The professionals I’ve met are not only experts in their fields; they’re passionate advocates for change. They want to ensure every learner has a fair shot at success.

If you’re curious about what we’re doing, I invite you to follow our journey. Check out our Newsworthy Blog on NYSACTE.org to read more about our fellows and their groundbreaking projects. Their stories show the power of visionary leadership and the promise of an educational system that works for everyone.

Let this be a call to action—a reminder that every challenge we face today plants the seeds for the transformative education of tomorrow.