Michigan Career and Technical Education Expansion Grant

The Michigan Career and Technical Education Expansion Grant is administered by the Michigan Department of Education to support the development and expansion of high quality career and technical education programs across the state. Established under Section 61v of the State School Aid Act, this grant is designed to address workforce development needs by increasing access to programs aligned with high wage, high skill, and high demand occupations. The initiative reflects the state’s broader mission to ensure all learners have access to engaging educational opportunities that prepare them for postsecondary success and employment. The primary purpose of the grant is to expand student access to CTE programming, particularly in districts identified as CTE deserts or areas with significant opportunity gaps. These gaps are identified through a structured data analysis process that compares overall student enrollment with participation in CTE programs. By prioritizing districts with underrepresented student populations or limited program availability, the grant aims to ensure equitable access and improved participation in career focused education pathways. The program also seeks to increase high school graduation rates and promote the attainment of stackable postsecondary credentials aligned with regional labor market demands. Funding is provided to local and intermediate school districts for the creation of new CTE programs. Each program is treated as a distinct application and may receive up to 400000 dollars in funding. The grant operates on a three year funding structure in which state provided funds must decrease annually, while local or non Section 61v contributions increase to ensure long term sustainability. Allowable uses of funds include program startup costs, instructional resources, staffing, and other expenses necessary to establish a state approved CTE program. Matching funds are required in the form of increasing local financial commitment over the grant period. Eligibility is limited to local and intermediate school districts within Michigan. Each applicant must demonstrate alignment with state approved program requirements, including use of valid Classification of Instructional Program codes for high school or cluster codes for middle school programs. Applicants must also demonstrate alignment with regional workforce needs, provide evidence of opportunity gaps, and ensure equitable access for all students. Additional requirements include adherence to federal Perkins V standards, use of certified instructors, and engagement with industry advisory committees. The application process is conducted through the NexSys grant management system. Applicants must complete a structured set of required documents for each proposed program, including a Gap Calculation Form, a Microsoft Forms pre application, Program Assurances, a Superintendent Statement of Commitment, and a Career Education Planning District Support Form. Each application must include a detailed three year budget that reflects decreasing state funds and increasing local contributions. Only one program may be submitted per application, and all required documents must be completed in full prior to submission. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with grant goals, demonstration of need through data, program quality, sustainability planning, and adherence to required standards. While the grant round described closed on July 1, 2026, the structure and documentation suggest a recurring funding opportunity aligned with state budget cycles. Technical assistance and support are provided through designated contact emails, and applicants are encouraged to utilize available guidance documents, webinars, and office hours to ensure compliance and competitiveness. The grant timeline includes preparatory steps such as completion of the gap analysis and pre application, followed by full submission through NexSys. Required documentation must be uploaded in specific sections of the system, and strict adherence to formatting and completeness is required. The performance period spans three years, during which grantees are expected to implement and sustain new CTE programs while transitioning financial responsibility toward local funding sources. This structured approach ensures both immediate program expansion and long term viability.

Ensure all required documents are fully completed before upload and align all data across forms especially gap calculations and program codes