2026-27 Career Cluster Partnership Program
Forecasted
2026-27 Career Cluster Partnership Program supports instructors and students through career training and certification testing to increase South Carolina’s skilled workforce.
Funder: South Carolina Department of Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2027 (Email of intent) | July 2027 (Application)
Funding Amounts: $800,000 total; at least one grant of $150,000 or more; one-year program
Summary: Supports instructor and student training and student testing in designated career clusters to increase South Carolina’s skilled workforce.
Key Information: Applicants must be qualifying statewide trade associations or educational foundations with 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) status and a SAM.gov UEI.
Description
The South Carolina Department of Education’s Office of Career Readiness administers this competitive program with funding authorized by the South Carolina General Assembly. It supports nationally certified career and technical education (CTE) programs in automotive, construction, engineering, healthcare, mechanical contracting/construction, and hospitality and tourism. Its purpose is to increase the state’s skilled workforce through instructor and student training and student testing.
The program emphasizes direct support to students and partnerships with trade organizations, corporations, and other collaborators. Most proposed activities should support training and testing within the relevant industry cluster. Student assessment is a competitive priority, particularly certification examinations for secondary program completers.
