Career & Technical Student Organization (CTSO) – SkillsUSA Year 5 Continuation
Career & Technical Student Organization (CTSO) – SkillsUSA Year 5 Continuation supports secondary students through leadership activities, competitions and advisor development to strengthen career readiness.
Funder: New Jersey Department of Education
Due Dates: October 22, 2026, 4:00 p.m. (Application) | December 31, 2026 (First interim report) | April 30, 2027 (Second interim report) | May 31, 2027 (Budget modifications) | July 15, 2027 (Final reimbursement request) | July 31, 2027 (Third interim report) | October 31, 2027 (Final report)
Funding Amounts: Up to $158,500 for one award covering September 1, 2026–August 31, 2027
Summary: Supports statewide SkillsUSA leadership, student career readiness, competitive events, and professional development for teachers and advisors.
Key Information: Only Somerset County Vocational School District, selected in Year 1, is eligible for this continuation grant.
Description
The New Jersey Department of Education’s Office of Career Readiness administers this fifth-year continuation grant to provide statewide leadership through state advisors for SkillsUSA. SkillsUSA is a student-led career and technical student organization whose local chapters operate at local educational agencies serving secondary students. Its purpose is to help members become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible American citizens.
The program supports co-curricular activities, competitive events, award programs, student leadership activities, and professional development for teachers and advisors. These activities connect academic and career and technical education studies with real-world work. Priorities include preparation for broad industry areas, self-confidence and pride in accomplishments, leadership skills, and realistic career choices. The statewide program also emphasizes student recruitment, inclusion of special populations, and effective management of grant and student organization funds.
