Career and Technical Education Grants for In-Demand Fields

Middle schools, high schools and skill centers in Washington State are eligible to apply for grants to improve the quality of high-demand Career and Technical Education programs.

Past years have facilitated quality apprenticeships, such as the Aviation Technology Program at Cascadia Tech Academy, allowing students to earn up to 45 credits post-secondary credits through hands-on lessons with unmanned aerial vehicles.

According to the Associate for Career and Technical Education website , during the 2014-2105 school year, 87 percent of students participating in CTE programs graduated high school, while 85 percent met performance goals for reading and language arts, and 79 percent met performance goals for mathematics.

The Career and Technical Education grants will be allocated by the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction , with priority given to programs that require expensive equipment, as well as programs that educate students on subjects necessary for high-demand careers.

Funds for career and technical educational programs can be used to:

• Purchase or improve curriculum
• Create pre-apprenticeship programs
• Upgrade technology and equipment to meet industry standards
• Initiate a new program
• Improve the rigor and quality of a high-demand program

Apply online at the Washington State OSPI website.

Applications for Career and Technical Education grants are due by 4 p.m. on Feb. 15, 2018.