The CTE Grade Expansion Program
Forecasted
The CTE Grade Expansion Program supports North Carolina schools by funding additional licensed staff to expand Career and Technical Education programs for sixth- and seventh-grade students.
Funder: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2027 (Annual application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Statutory ceiling of $1,000,000 per fiscal year, subject to availability; current one-year grant cycle
Summary: Supports additional licensed staff to expand North Carolina school-based Career and Technical Education programs to sixth- and seventh-grade students.
Key Information: Only North Carolina public school units and charter schools may apply; individuals are ineligible.
Description
The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Grade Expansion Program is a competitive grant supporting expansion of CTE programs, prioritizing sixth- and seventh-grade students. Funding is restricted to additional licensed personnel in CTE, career development coordination, and support services needed for that expansion. Within a local school administrative unit, staffing may support programs at one or more schools.
North Carolina’s Education and Workforce Innovation Commission (EWIC) administers the program under G.S. 115C-64.17, in coordination with the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction. EWIC is housed administratively within the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) but exercises its prescribed powers independently.
