Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) is proud to announce that Jennifer Curtis, Project Manager in Academic Affairs, has been selected as a Fellow in the 2026 NextLevel Postsecondary Career and Technical Education (CTE) Leaders Fellowship, a nationally recognized program administered by the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE).
The NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship is a year-long professional development experience designed to elevate the next generation of leaders in postsecondary CTE programs. Fellows engage in monthly leadership webinars, in-person national conferences, mentorship with seasoned CTE professionals, and a capstone institutional improvement project. The program emphasizes organizational leadership, strategic management, and advancing access for underserved student populations. Curtis joins a select national cohort of postsecondary CTE professionals chosen for their leadership potential and commitment to expanding opportunity.
Curtis brings more than 20 years of progressive experience across Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Workforce Development, and Career and Technical Education to the fellowship. In her current role at CGCC, she manages complex, grant-funded initiatives from concept through implementation — overseeing budgets, funding allocations, and compliance while coordinating grant-related events, equipment procurement, and facility improvements that support instructional quality and workforce readiness. She recently completed a Master’s degree in Education with a concentration in Higher Education in December 2025.
Known for her collaborative approach and commitment to student success, Curtis works closely with faculty, staff, administrators, Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT) advisory councils, and industry partners to design and implement workforce-responsive programs aligned with labor market data and regional needs. Her work also contributes to system-wide frameworks supporting emerging technologies — including artificial intelligence and advanced technical pathways — helping move pilot initiatives into scalable, sustainable models.
“I am deeply honored to be selected for the NextLevel Fellowship,” said Curtis. “This is a pivotal opportunity for me to further develop my leadership capacity, broaden my professional network, and prepare for senior leadership roles in higher education. I look forward to collaborating with fellow leaders across the country who are as committed as I am to building equitable, future-ready CTE pathways for students.”
For more information about the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship, visit www.acteonline.org/professional-development/leadership-development/nextlevelcte/.