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Massachusetts State-designated Career Technical Education Programs (CTE) prepare students to graduate with skills and credentials that will provide them with advanced employment opportunities if the enter the workforce immediately upon graduation. These CTE programs also provide students with high quality learning experiences that enable them to see and understand their future career paths, including continued education. Signature components of these programs include at least 900 hours of immersive learning time, co-operative education in partnership with local employers, and opportunities to earn high-value industry recognized credentials. The CTE frameworks are developed to guide instruction and support program design that ensure students graduate with the skills and learning experiences that best prepare them in their field.
The addition of any new designation requires a review and redesign of all school systems to ensure full integration into your school's program of studies. All CTE programs are designated through a state review process to ensure programs are designed and implemented to support students in experiencing quality education, attaining the necessary competencies, and gaining relevant industry credentials. The review process is made up of three stages: Intent to Apply, Part A, and Part B. Questions in Part A and B are organized around the Massachusetts Guiding Principles for College and Career Pathways. In addition, every school will have an onsite visit from the Office of College, Career, and Technical Education (OCCTE) for a Safety, Health, and Accessibility Review (SHAR), and the district's CCTE Liaison will meet with the Program Advisory Committee (PAC).
State-designated CTE Partnership Programs (formerly referred to as AfterDark) are state-designated CTE Programs in different delivery models. CTE Partnership Programs are required to meet the Career Technical Education Regulations CMR 603 4.03: Program Approval Criteria and Operational Requirements. There is one application for CTE Programs and CTE Partnership Programs, which some variation in questions. Learn more about CTE Partnership Programs. Districts applying for a CTE Program should refer to the FY26 CTE & CTE Partnership New Program Application Resource for all stages of the process — Intent to Apply, Part A, and Part B.
The Office for College, Career, and Technical Education provides a Liaison for every district in the Commonwealth. CCTE Liaisons are an essential resource when considering a new program and provide direct and ongoing support throughout the application and designation process. Schools should also reach out to their CCTE liaison or the liaison assigned to their region, for additional questions.
Please visit the Career Connected Learning Hub for CTE Instructional Frameworks and resources.
All programs must be fully approved prior to June 30, 2026 to be able to operate in SY2026-2027.
The New Program Application refers to resources from DESE that support the Educational Vision. Please consider these resources:
Last Updated: October 15, 2025