After$chool Funding: Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Welcome to our series on funding and sustainability for afterschool and summer learning programs! We will be sharing information about top funding streams and how to access them every Friday during this campaign. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to make sure you get regular updates.

For students in elementary through high school, more than 80% of their time is spent learning outside of traditional school settings, whether that’s in afterschool and summer programs, libraries, museums, science centers, at home, or in the community. That’s where Career and Technical Education (CTE) can play a critical role: linking school and out-of-school learning and helping prepare young people for their future.

To address the nation’s skills gap and prepare our emerging workforce for the changing economy, young people need access to expanded learning opportunities made possible by afterschool and summer learning programs. These programs serve as critical partners for CTE pathways, helping youth develop technical and employability skills. 

Various funding streams are available to support CTE initiatives, primarily through state departments of education and federal funding made possible by the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education program, which was last reauthorized through the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V), signed into law by President Trump in 2018. Afterschool and summer programs looking to integrate CTE pathways can also explore partnerships with local businesses, which can provide financial support, internships, and job placements for students.

Quick facts about CTE:

• Who controls the money: The federal government allocates funds to each state based on a formula. States must designate an entity to administer the funds. 

• Who is eligible: School districts offering career and technical education programs, including career exposure, competency-based education, STEM support for underserved students, and employability skill development. Afterschool programs should partner directly with middle and high schools to support these initiatives. 

  • Community colleges and CTE centers are also eligible for funding. If your afterschool or summer learning program is partnering with one of those eligible entities, reach out!

• How to apply: Funding opportunities exist at the local, state, and federal levels. Locally, programs should check their school district’s website to learn about specific funding goals and initiate conversations about how their programs can support those objectives. At the state level, specific set-aside funds for leadership activities may offer innovative grant opportunities–contact your state administrator to explore available options. 

  • The federal government offers additional resources nationally, including an Innovation and Modernization Grant Program that can support further partnerships. 

• How much funding is available: Congress allocates approximately $1.4B in state formula grants and $30M+ in competitive discretionary grants each year under Perkins V. The specific funding available to program providers varies by state and program. 

• How long is the grant: Congressional funding is allocated annually. Federal Innovation and Modernization Grants typically span 3-5 years. Contracts with school districts vary in duration.

unCommon Construction in New Orleans is one example of how CTE can be integrated into an afterschool program. This program partners with local schools to provide CTE students with 120 hours of internship credit through paid, on-the-job experiences in construction. Students build homes, which are sold to fund future projects while developing leadership, employability, and financial literacy skills. They also earn income, school credit, and a vested Equity Award for good attendance that they can access post-graduation for education or career-related expenses.

To learn more about funding streams available to help you sustain your out-of-school time program, check out our new sustainability page!