Massachusetts Chapter 74 New Program Application

The application process to offer new Chapter 74 programs reflects the complexity and importance of these programs. To ensure that school districts interested in developing new Chapter 74 programs are first establishing key foundational elements for those programs, the Department has created a three-step process.

1. Submission of an Intent to Apply comprises the first step. Submission of an Intent to Apply does not obligate the submission of a Part A application, but all Part A applicants must have first submitted an Intent by the published deadline. The stage is designed to provide school districts considering application for a new Chapter 74 program a simple and direct mechanism to signal an intent to apply for Chapter 74 status. It also provides the DESE Office for College, Career, and Technical Education with information needed to advise potential applicants on the viability of a potential application.
2. The elements found in the Preliminary (Part A) Application comprise the second step. The Part A components include regional consultation, labor market and student demand, ensuring that the program is of sufficient length, and the development of a Program Advisory Committee. Applicants whose Part A applications are judged viable will be invited to submit Concluding (Part B) applications, the third step in the process.
3. The Concluding (Part B) Application requires applicants to evidence the remaining Program Approval Criteria and Operational Requirements identified 4.04 of the Vocational technical Education Regulations requirements. This third step includes a Safety, Health, and Accessibility Review of the program facilities and equipment, and staff from the Office for College, Career, and Technical Education meet with the Program Advisory Committee.

See resources below to understand the application process, resources, and deadlines.

Note for 2022-2023 applications: Given the ongoing work on the CTE Frameworks, if your district plans to submit an Intent to Apply for any of the following programs, please reach out to Marnie Jain or ccte@doe.mass.edu before you proceed.

• Animal Science
• Veterinary Science
• Graphic Communications
• Design and Visual Communications

In addition, as we engage additional framework revisions, please reach out to Marnie Jain or ccte@doe.mass.edu before you proceed with applying for either of the following programs.

• Marketing
• Business Technology

SY 2022-2023 Information on Chapter 74 New Program Approval Process and Webinars

SY 2022-2023 Chapter 74 New Program Approval Process

Application Forms

(all applications must be submitted online)

• Submission Portal (Intent, Part A, and Part B)

• Intent to Apply — for reference only

• Preliminary (Part A) Application — for reference only

• Concluding (Part B) Application — for reference only

Guidelines and Additional Forms

Intent to Apply

• Program Advisory Committee for CTE Form

Preliminary (Part A)

• Ch74 Regional Consultation Guidance and Evidence of Consultation

• View your region's blueprint

• Massachusetts Pathways Mapping Tool
  Please Note that the Pathway Mapping Tool will soon be retired and does not include new programs added within the past two years. Please contact Larry DeSalvatore at Lawrence.DeSalvatore@mass.gov to ensure that you are aware of recently added programs in your area.

• Guidelines for demonstrating student and labor market demand for the program

• Total Hours of Instruction worksheet

• Program Advisory Committee for CTE Form

• General Assurances Signature Form

Concluding (Part B)

• State and Federal Board and Agency Approvals

• Onsite Comment Form for PAC

• Letter to PAC re: Onsite Visit

• Program Advisory Committee for CTE Form

• NIOSH Checklists

• Safety and Health Plan

• Curriculum Mapping Grid

• Integration of Academic and Technical Instruction

• Program-Specific Guidance and Placement

• Exploratory Hours Calculation Worksheet

• Co-op Assurances Signature Form

• Offsite projects Assurances Signature Form

• Reviewing Curriculum and Instruction for Bias and Stereotyping

• Vocational Licensure Waivers

Webinars

Chapter 74 New Program Preliminary (Part A) Application Webinar

This webinar guides prospective applicants through the elements comprising the Chapter 74 New Program Preliminary (Part A) application. It is designed for any school and school district personnel involved in developing a Chapter 74 New Program application.

Chapter 74 Program Advisory Committee Webinar

This webinar is designed for school and school district administrators and for industry experts assisting in the development of a Chapter 74 New Program Preliminary (Part A) application. The webinar will present several considerations for the development of a program-specific Advisory Committee.

Chapter 74 New Program Concluding (Part B) Application Webinar

This webinar guides prospective applicants through the elements comprising the Chapter 74 New Program Concluding (Part B) application. It is designed for any school and school district personnel involved in developing a Chapter 74 New Program application.

Chapter 74 New Program Safety & Health Plan Webinar

This webinar guides prospective applicants through the elements comprising the Chapter 74 New Program Safety & Health Plan. It is designed for any school and school district personnel involved in developing a Chapter 74 New Program application.

(click on dates for registration link)

Last Updated: May 19, 2023