APEX Center Grant Program
Forecasted
APEX Center Grant Program supports Utah local education agencies in planning and expanding profession-based learning centers that connect students with industry projects and build career readiness.
Funder: Utah State Board of Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $2 million earmarked for FY27 planning grants; implementation grants may be multi-year
Summary: Funds Utah LEAs to plan, create, or expand profession-based learning centers aligned with workforce needs.
Key Information: An LEA—not an individual school—must submit the application.
Description
The Utah State Board of Education’s Applied Professional Education Experience (APEX) Grant Program supports local education agencies (LEAs) in planning, creating, and expanding centers that connect classroom learning with professional environments. Created by Utah’s H.B. 447, it aims to strengthen career readiness, align learning with labor market needs and state career and technical education goals, and increase student engagement.
APEX Centers partner with industry, businesses, and community organizations on student projects shaped by workplace needs. Their programs incorporate industry-standard tools and methods, mentorship from professionals, and opportunities to build durable skills. Planning grants can support feasibility studies, stakeholder engagement, labor market analysis, initial program design and rollout, and staff training for profession-based learning.
