APEX Center Grant Program
Forecasted
APEX Center Grant Program supports Utah local education agencies in planning and expanding profession-based learning centers that connect classroom instruction with workplace experience and workforce needs.
Funder: Utah State Board of Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $2 million earmarked for FY27 planning grants; multi-year implementation grants also permitted
Summary: Supports Utah local education agencies in planning, creating, and expanding profession-based learning centers aligned with workforce needs.
Key Information: Applications must come from an LEA, not an individual school; overlapping grant awards are prohibited.
Description
The Applied Professional Education Experience (APEX) Center Grant Program is administered by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and was created through Utah’s H.B. 447. It helps local education agencies create or expand profession-based learning centers that connect classroom instruction with workplace experience, align with local labor market needs, and advance state career and technical education goals.
APEX Centers engage students in industry-shaped projects, mentorship, and hands-on learning using industry-standard tools and practices. Programs build leadership and durable professional skills while addressing gaps in regional workforce preparation. Planning grants support feasibility studies, stakeholder engagement, labor market analysis, initial program design and rollout, and teacher or staff training specific to profession-based learning.
