APEX Center Planning Grant

The APEX Center Planning Grant is administered by the Utah State Board of Education as part of the broader APEX Grant Program, which is designed to expand profession-based learning opportunities across the state. The program aligns with legislative priorities to strengthen workforce readiness by connecting education with industry needs. Through this planning grant, local education agencies are supported in developing new or expanding existing APEX Centers, which are structured environments that simulate real-world professional settings and integrate industry collaboration into student learning. The primary purpose of the planning grant is to fund preparatory activities that enable LEAs to design high-quality profession-based education programs. These activities include feasibility studies, stakeholder engagement, labor market analysis, and the development of program design and rollout strategies. Funds may also be used to support teacher and staff training specific to profession-based learning delivery. The program emphasizes alignment with high-demand career pathways and requires that proposed initiatives incorporate partnerships with industry, business, and community organizations. Funding for this planning grant is part of a total allocation of $2,000,000 designated for planning activities. While individual award amounts are not explicitly defined, applicants are expected to request reasonable funding amounts that align with the scope of their planning activities. Funds must be used exclusively for allowable planning purposes and may not duplicate or replace existing funding sources. Capital expenditures are not permitted under planning grants, reinforcing the program’s focus on preparation rather than implementation. Eligibility is limited to local education agencies, including school districts, charter schools, and the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. Applications must be submitted at the LEA level rather than by individual schools. Applicants must demonstrate alignment with their strategic plans, identify workforce gaps, and describe how their proposed APEX Center will address those needs. Additional requirements include outlining partnerships, providing a detailed budget and implementation timeline, and submitting required attachments such as strategic plan excerpts and executive summaries. The application process involves submission through the Utah Grants system. Applications open on May 15, 2026, and must be submitted by June 23, 2026 at 5:00 PM. An informational session is scheduled for May 21, 2026, offering both in-person and virtual participation options to assist applicants in understanding program requirements. The application includes a structured narrative with multiple scored sections covering workforce alignment, program design, partnerships, career readiness, and sustainability. Applications are evaluated based on a comprehensive scoring rubric, with sections weighted according to their importance in demonstrating program viability and alignment with workforce needs. Each section is reviewed by multiple evaluators from education, higher education, and workforce sectors to ensure fairness and reduce bias. Applicants must also include letters of collaboration from industry partners and demonstrate how their proposed program avoids duplication of existing resources. The grant period for planning activities extends through June 30, 2027, by which time all funds must be expended. Following the planning phase, LEAs are expected to pursue implementation funding in future grant cycles. While the planning grant does not guarantee future funding, it is intended to strengthen applications for subsequent implementation grants by ensuring thorough preparation and alignment with program expectations.

Focus on clear alignment with workforce needs; demonstrate strong industry partnerships; avoid duplication of existing programs; provide detailed and realistic planning activities