This is your central hub of all curriculum resources available to you. This space is designed to help you navigate the complexities of preparing your students for their future careers. We are poised to offer our students valuable learning and development opportunities in several different pathways.
Don't miss the amazing two-day workshop Refocus and Recharge: Business and Marketing Strategies for Student Success designed to refresh and recharge business and marketing teachers with essential knowledge and strategies for a successful school year!
Day 1: Diving into the core
Day 1 will dive into the core of the classroom role. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the curriculum, explore effective strategies for End of Program (EOP) Assessment success and discover valuable classroom resources to enhance teaching.
Day 2: Mastering engagement and management
Day 2 focuses on practical application. Participants will learn engaging instructional techniques to effectively assess student learning and master crucial classroom management skills. Plus, a dedicated Q&A and discussion session will be held to address all questions.
Attendance is required for both days to gain the full benefit of this training. This workshop will be hosted in Elizabethtown on Sept. 15 and 16. Registration is now open and seats are limited. Register on the Refocus and Recharge KY Learning Hub web page.
This technical update training is hosted by the Kentucky Department of Education's Office of Career and Technical Education (OCTE) Business and Marketing Program area. For more information, please contact Angela Rush, Business and Marketing Program Consultant with OCTE.
8/15/2025
Join Kentucky business and marketing teachers as Empowered trainers provide a one-day training session for educators to help teachers utilize Empowered's instructional strategy (PMM: Principles + Markets = Mindset) to create more personalized and engaging learning experiences for their students. This training will be interactive and engaging, mirroring the approach teachers should use in their classrooms.
Administrators are invited to register with their business and marketing teacher to experience Empower and how it can be used in the school setting.
The training will be held on Sept. 23 in Frankfort. Registration is now open.
This technical update training is hosted by the Kentucky Department of Education's Office of Career and Technical Education (OCTE) Business and Marketing Program area. For more information, please contact Angela Rush, Business and Marketing Program Consultant with OCTE.
8/15/2025
Registration opens TODAY for the 3rd Annual Retail NextGen Student Leadership Conference! Retail NextGen is sponsored by the Kentucky Retail Institute and is a great way for the sponsors and students who run school-based enterprises across the state to network and grow together.
This year’s conference will be on Thursday, Sept. 25 in Frankfort. See the attached flyer for details on registration.
For more information, reach out to Tina Brogli or Cassie Grigsby.
8/15/2025
Sign up today for the 3rd Annual Kentucky Personal Finance Challenge. The challenge is open to grades 6th-12th and each team consists of four people per team.
Email KYPFC@NKU.edu with questions
8/15/2025
Greenup County High School was announced as the winner of this year’s Kentucky Retail Institute (KRI) “Classroom to Commerce” grant during the annual Kentucky Career and Technical Education (CTE) Statewide Summer Conference at the Galt House in Louisville on July 29.
KRI awarded Greenup County’s site-based enterprises (SBE) program — Musketeer Market — $500 to help fund their innovative “Pressed to Impress” initiative. This project will provide necessary materials for students to utilize a hat press machine to offer customized hats that display school spirit.
“The Kentucky Retail Institute tips its cap to the creative, hardworking students and staff of the Musketeer Market,” said KRI president Cassie Grigsby. “We are proud to support their exciting initiative that will build community pride and spirit, while cultivating vital skills to prepare our next generation of retail professionals.”
The Greenup County High School “Pressed to Impress” project empowers sophomores, juniors and seniors to operate a specialty heat press to apply custom patches to hats — that will celebrate school spirit. This initiative will also provide students with volunteer hours for graduation and help to raise money for sports teams and clubs.
“We are grateful for this generous KRI grant that will give our students first-hand retail experience as they create popular specialty items,” said GCHS Retail Operations teacher Julia Parker. “Whether it is during class time or at sporting events, this project will provide a valuable community service while teaching our students valuable life lessons for the future.”
SBE programs are student-led school stores that provide hands-on experience for Kentucky high schoolers. These enterprises are a form of work-based learning, designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application in the workforce.
The mission of the Kentucky Retail Institute is to promote the education of students interested in entering the field of retail or students connected to the field of retail. Retail is the nation’s largest employer — supporting one in four American jobs — and is the largest private-sector employer in Kentucky.
For more information about the Kentucky Retail Institute, please visit kyretailinstitute.org.
Sign up today for the 3rd Annual Kentucky Personal Finance Challenge. The challenge is open to grades 6th-12th and each team consists of four people per team.
Email KYPFC@NKU.edu with questions
8/15/2025
The Business and Marketing program remains steadfast in its commitment to offering 060112 Digital Literacy, a course highly valued by Kentucky business and industry partners. This course is crucial for workforce readiness in business and marketing pathways, primarily due to its intensive focus on essential Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
Each year, business and industry representatives are invited to participate in Futuring Panels to provide feedback on emerging trends, critical skillsets and valuable certifications. These professionals also contribute to the Business and Marketing Program Area's Business Education Alignment Taskforce, which functions similarly to local advisory boards. Across these forums, feedback consistently underscores the increasing importance of digital literacy and comprehensive training in the Microsoft Office Suite.
The significance of Microsoft Office Specialist certifications, especially those focused on Excel, has been consistently highlighted. These certifications were cited as valuable in the:
2022 Hospitality and Tourism Futuring Panel
2023 Supply Chain Management Futuring Panel
2024 Administrative Support and Management/Entrepreneurship Futuring Panel
2025 Finance and Accounting Futuring Panel
During the 2023 Supply Chain Management Futuring Panel, professionals specifically noted that MS Excel, PowerPoint and Teams are routinely used in Supply Chain Management (SCM) careers and general business operations. Furthermore, SCM employees require a strong foundation in general computer literacy, extending beyond mere familiarity with standalone applications.
In the 2024 Administrative Support and Management/Entrepreneurship Futuring Panel, industry representatives emphatically stressed the need for Kentucky programs to provide students with robust training opportunities in Microsoft Office Suite applications, emphasizing Excel. Many futuring panel participants expressed a clear preference for Excel over other spreadsheet applications, citing its superior capabilities for data visualization and analysis, sales tracking, inventory management and other vital tasks.
In the 2025 Finance and Accounting Futuring Panel, participants underscored the critical importance of a high-level command of Microsoft Excel combined with data mining and analysis skills, particularly given the growing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace. Employees must be equipped to analyze AI-generated output for accuracy and completeness.
Considering this consistent and compelling feedback from Kentucky's business and industry leaders, Digital Literacy will unequivocally remain a cornerstone course within business and marketing pathways.
For more information, contact Angela Rush, Business and Marketing program consultant.
7/11/2025
School-based enterprises (SBE) are a vibrant and adaptable learning tool that many Kentucky schools use in connection with their pathways.
These enterprises provide students with hands-on experience in real-world business operations, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge in practical settings. By participating in SBEs, students gain valuable skills in areas such as marketing, finance and management, which are essential for their future careers.
The Work-Based Learning Manual serves as an excellent resource for educators and administrators, offering guidance on how to effectively integrate SBEs into curriculum and maximize the benefits for students.
Moreover, SBEs foster a sense of entrepreneurship and innovation among students, encouraging them to think creatively and develop solutions to real-world problems. These enterprises not only enhance students' academic learning but also prepare them for the workforce by providing opportunities to develop critical soft skills such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving.
As with all forms of work-based learning (WBL), the SBE model is flexible by design to allow your school community the ability to create the enterprise that best suits your needs. However, there are some guidelines one must adhere to when scheduling and planning. Here are a few things you should pay close attention to when scheduling and planning your SBE:
Scheduling students into the experience:
The SBE model in Kentucky allows for much flexibility when working the SBE into your curriculum. The intention is for the SBE to be embedded into already existing courses inside your aligned pathway. This means you will not find any SBE course codes in the Program of Studies. Instead, each of your existing pathway courses can work together to fill the needed roles in the business.
It is also important to note that while working in an SBE is excellent experience for your students, the experience is considered co-curricular and does not fit into the state accountability model pursuant to KRS 158.6455. Therefore, you need to avoid using internship or co-op codes when registering students to work in your SBE. More details about this can be found in the FAQ Co-op Internship for State Accountability
Choosing the products your SBE will sell:
As detailed in the Work-Based Learning Manual, your SBE can take many forms. The goal is to find a need in your community and work with your students to fill that need. However, one basic thing all teenagers “need” is a snack! Many of our schools provide reasonably priced treats for our students to enjoy. When doing so, please remember we must align with the USDA Smart Snack Guidance that can be found at 7 CFR 210.11 and the state regulations found at 702 KAR 6:090 stipulating the time frames in which competitive foods may be sold. Please refer to this Competitive Food Sales document to help keep your much appreciated snack selection within the state and federal guidelines.
Developing a system for collecting your revenue:
The goal of most SBEs is to make money to support the department and your students. In doing so, you provide valuable lessons in commerce to your students. Please refer to this Redbook Compliance document and speak directly to your school bookkeeper when developing a process for collecting the revenue earned at your SBE.
With the support of administration and your community, schools can create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that empowers students to succeed in their chosen career paths. Embrace the power of school-based enterprises and watch your students thrive!
5/08/2025
On Monday, May 5, 2025, leading Kentucky finance executives convened at the Kentucky Society of CPAs for a pivotal Finance Futuring Panel. The discussion centered on emerging trends, essential skillsets, and evolving occupations within the dynamic finance industry.
A key outcome of the panel was the comprehensive review of standards for the accounting and financial services pathways. The valuable feedback gathered will be instrumental in guiding the strategic direction of these pathways for the next five years. MBA Research and Curriculum facilitated this futuring panel process and will compile a detailed report, which will serve as a crucial resource for Kentucky in aligning curriculum development with industry needs. The final report will be released in the Business and Marketing Fast Five newsletter in August.
The Office of Career and Technical Education (OCTE) would like to thank the following businesses for participating in this transformative research:
Humana
Class Act Federal Credit Union
Love Management Inc
Rapid Response Partners, LLC
Appalachian Regional Healthcare
Thornton Capital
Woodall Companies Roofing & Exteriors
RSA Advisors
UnifyCX
Reconstruction Fund I
3DR Labs
CreoSalus
Kentucky Society of CPAs
For more information concerning the futuring panel process, contact Angela Rush, Business and Marketing Program Consultant with OCTE.
5/21/2025
(FRANKFORT, KY) – Kentuckians now have a one-stop-shop for finding answers on career and education questions. During a “virtual ribbon-cutting” ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda on Feb. 4, leaders from the Commonwealth Education Continuum launched the website, Futuriti.org. This new platform aims to help Kentuckians “find their future” by providing state-specific data about the numerous career paths and education options available to them.
“There are many online education and career resources available to Kentuckians, but there has never been a mechanism to connect the dots to help them capitalize on all the opportunities available,” said Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, co-chair of the Continuum. “This is a groundbreaking website that breaks down silos and provides access and opportunity to Team Kentucky.”
The development of this career and college access platform began in 2021, following the recommendations of the Continuum, which called for a website and communications campaign aimed at connecting Kentucky’s middle and high school students, as well as adult learners, with advising resources and information regarding early postsecondary opportunities, postsecondary institutions, career pathways, financial aid information.
“Futuriti will help us meet our attainment goal of 60% of the population with a postsecondary credential by 2030,” said Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) President and Continuum Co-Chair Aaron Thompson. “There are no sites like Futuriti in other states, and I am thrilled that Kentuckians can begin finding their futures with this incredible tool.”
The newly launched website features an interactive portal, called Future Finder, that can be used to explore:
Job descriptions and wages for more than 700 careers;
Highlights of in-demand careers;
Cost, completion and debt information on all public and private universities, community colleges and technical schools;
The majors offered at Kentucky public and private universities; and
Career pathways offered at each Kentucky high school and technical center.
CPE has led this work, with assistance from the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS) and the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE). Feedback was gathered from students, education and workforce professionals, and other members of the Commonwealth Education Continuum to ensure the website is user-friendly for all audiences and contains all the information needed to make career, education and training decisions.
“Not only will this website help students understand what career options are available to them,” said KDE Commissioner and Continuum Co-Chair Robbie Fletcher, “it also will capture the imaginations of students who are still in the early stages of planning what they want to do after graduation. Setting a career goal early can help motivate students to new levels of success in their academic studies.”
The website is organized into three main sections that are designed to lead Kentuckians through the process of choosing a career path, continuing their education and starting their career. Within the education section, there are tips and tools connecting students with financial aid and scholarship information, and direct links to the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority’s website. There is also an archive of resources to assist educators, parents, counselors and others in answering their questions.
Kentuckians also have the ability to better understand the high demand jobs in their regions through Futuriti. The KYSTATS database includes labor market information that helps users to understand how regional workforce needs can differ.
Preliminary marketing funding for Futuriti was made possible by a $13,000 grant from the NASH Catalyst Fund. The Catalyst Fund aims to lift up examples of “systemness” that advance educational opportunity and excellence through collaborations that span the educational continuum from pre-K through postsecondary education.
“Futuriti is meant not just to be a campaign to encourage higher education, but to be a culture shift that will merge the separation between high school, college and careers into one systematic approach to building a well-educated Kentucky workforce with increased educational attainment and labor force participation rates that meet or exceed the national average,” said Amanda Ellis, vice president of Student Access and Success at CPE.
3/20/25
The Invest – Insurance Education for Future Leaders curriculum is now free and available to all business and marketing teachers in Kentucky. This curriculum is part of the approved Invest – Insurance Education for Future Leaders 080720 course as an option for any school offering a four-course sequence for the Financial Services CIP 52.1908.00 pathway in the 2025 – 2026 Program of Studies.
Invest can also be used as an independent study for the Business and Marketing
TRACK/Apprenticeship Program - General Insurance Associate. Students will utilize the Invest Curriculum supplied by the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (the Big "I"). Topics covered include an introduction to insurance, managing risk, marketing and selling insurance, insurance agency operations and issues in auto insurance. Leadership development will be provided through Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and/or DECA.
For more information, contact Angela Rush, Business and Marketing Program Consultant or Mary Pat Hartman with the Association for Independent Agents | Big I Kentucky.
2/7/25
The Kentucky New Business and Marketing Teacher Workshop, held in Elizabethtown on Sept. 19-20, was a success. Sixteen new business and marketing educators dove into two days of training led by experienced educators and experts.
The workshop covered crucial topics like curriculum development, assessment strategies, classroom management techniques and fostering student engagement.
Guest speakers like Keri Mosier, instructional coach at Barren County Schools; Jennifer Stubblefield, a Certiport representative and retired Kentucky business teacher; and Zoe Sapin from the Kentucky Society of Certified Public Accountants shared their insights and best practices. This valuable experience equipped participants with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in their teaching careers.
A special thank you to North Hardin High School DECA for designing shirts for the event.
10/04/24
Certiport Exam Pricing for Kentucky
Certiport has released pricing for Kentucky for the 2024-2025 school year. You can view the Pricing List for Certiport to view the price menu and available discounts.
Remember to always verify exams are recognized by Kentucky before ordering them for your students. The Valid Industry Certification list is available from the Career and Technical Education Resources page and is updated at various times throughout the year. It is important to always refer to the website for the most recent version of the list.
Be sure to verify the name of the exam on the list before ordering and assessing students.
To order exams or learn more about pricing, contact Certiport's Ashley Caldwell.
9/13/24
Kentucky Students can earn College Credit from Industry Certification Exams
Certiport has partnered with the American Council on Education (ACE Learning Evaluations®) to evaluate and recommend college credit for specific current Certiport certifications. This allows students to earn college credit through ACE Learning Evaluations®.
More details and instructions for accessing the college credit through Credly can be found by visiting Industry Certification Exams for College Credit through ACE & Credly Partnership.
9/13/24
If you are a new Business & Marketing teacher with 0-3 years of experience, please complete the New Business & Marketing Teacher Survey.
3/10/24
This is a great discussion topic on current trends in the workspace. Working IN the office is going to look different than it has in the past.
MBA Conclave 2023 had a keynote session on this topic. For a downloadable copies and interviews from the presentation, visit MBA Research, login to State's Connection, and then click on Curriculum and Instruction. Under Speaker's Materials, choose 2023 and look for
Carla Dore, CEO/President, Workplace Resource Colorado
Rachel Clark, COO, Workplace Resource Colorado
Creating Spaces for People, Planet, and Community Engagement
Teachers can email Angela Rush to schedule a time to explore and unwrap the resources that can enhance their classroom instruction.
3/15/24
Senate Bill 101 (2020) required the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) to facilitate the implementation of a standardized articulation agreement for each approved high school career pathway to be honored at public colleges or universities.
Agreements previously made on a case-by-case basis between a Kentucky High School and one Kentucky Career and Technical College System (KCTCs) location are no longer valid.
There are currently no official articulation agreements between the Business and Marketing program area and any Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) location. The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and KCTCS will continue their partnership in developing the articulation agreements for the Business and Marketing pathways. The KCTCS High School Articulation Agreements webpage will be updated when they become available.
Current articulation agreements with private universities are preserved and optional for any future development. However, Senate Bill 101 requires establishing agreements with all eight public universities, starting with KCTCS. Existing agreements at other public universities will be acknowledged until the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) facilitates comprehensive agreements across the entire public system.
Existing Business and Marketing articulation agreements can be located at the Statewide Articulation Agreements - Kentucky Department of Education website.
An introduction and overview on the opportunities for Kentucky high school graduates to earn post-secondary credit, a summary on recordkeeping responsibilities and best practices for student support was presented during the CTE Leaders Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) September meeting on Thursday, Sept. 14. Resources provided during this meeting are available at Articulation Agreements Update Session Material.
1/19/24Sullivan University is a private, career-focused university with campuses in Louisville, Lexington and Fort Knox. Founded in 1962, Sullivan offers a variety of associate, bachelor's and master's degrees in business, hospitality, culinary arts, technology and design. With a diverse student body and a commitment to student success, Sullivan is a great choice for students who are looking to prepare for a successful career.
"Articulation" is a term used for ensuring that schools at secondary and post-secondary levels work together to assist students in progressing smoothly from secondary to post-secondary programs. Articulation is defined as "a process for linking two or more educational systems within a community to help students make a smooth transition from one level to another without experiencing delays, duplication of courses or loss of credit."
All eight business and marketing articulation agreements have been updated with Sullivan University and can be viewed at Statewide Articulation Agreements - Kentucky Department of Education.
Students wishing to participate in coursework as part of one of the listed Sullivan University Articulation Agreements should reach out to the Sullivan University Office of Admissions at (502) 456-6505. They can ask for Katelyn Gambill, senior director of admissions, state what program they are interested in and that they would like to participate in the Kentucky Department of Education articulation agreement for that program. Sullivan University Admissions will discuss next steps with the student.
On Oct. 18, Tim Swenson, president, Sullivan University, announced on Instagram that, "Beginning Jan. 2, 2024, undergraduate and graduate students will no longer need to purchase books or parking passes. Instead, tuition will now cover the cost of textbooks and some other required course materials."
This change will ease some of the financial burden and provide students with the essential resources to support their studies with immediate access to their materials.
12/15/23