2026-27 Career Cluster Partnership Program
This grant funds statewide trade associations to expand nationally certified CTE programs in key industries, supporting training, certification, and workforce development across South Carolina.
Funder: South Carolina Department of Education
Due Dates: July 14, 2026: Pre-application webinar | July 16, 2026: Email of Intent deadline | July 31, 2026: Full application due (by 4:00 p.m. EDT)
Funding Amounts: Approx. $800,000 total; minimum $150,000 per award in at least four clusters; project term: Sept 16, 2026–June 30, 2027
Summary: Competitive grants for trade associations to deliver nationally certified career and technical education in key industry sectors to grow South Carolina’s skilled workforce.
Key Information: Applicants must be statewide 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) trade associations or educational foundations with nationally certified CTE programs in eligible clusters.
Description
This grant program, funded by the South Carolina General Assembly and administered by the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) Office of Career Readiness, provides competitive funding to statewide private-sector trade associations or educational foundations. The goal is to expand nationally certified career and technical education (CTE) programs in the automotive, construction, engineering, healthcare, mechanical contracting/construction, and hospitality and tourism clusters. Grants support instructor and student training, student testing, and related activities that directly build South Carolina’s skilled workforce.
