Funder: South Carolina Department of Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2027 (Email of intent) | July 2027 (Applications)
Funding Amounts: $800,000 total; minimum award $150,000; one-year funding
Summary: Supports instructor and student training and student testing in nationally certified career and technical education programs to strengthen South Carolina’s skilled workforce.
Key Information: Applicants must be eligible statewide trade associations or educational foundations with 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) status and a valid SAM.gov UEI.
Description
The Career Cluster Partnership Program is a competitive grant administered by the South Carolina Department of Education’s Office of Career Readiness. Funded through a South Carolina General Assembly legislative proviso, it supports nationally certified career and technical education programs in automotive, construction, engineering, healthcare, mechanical contracting/construction, and hospitality and tourism.
The program provides direct support to students through instructor/student training and student testing, with most activities focused on training and assessment in the relevant industry cluster. Supported work also includes career awareness, student recruitment, teacher development, industry partnerships, statewide student competitions leading to national competitions, and industry-specific postsecondary scholarships. Student assessments for secondary program completers are a competitive priority. Applicants may partner with trade organizations, corporations, or others to develop programs.
