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 Career Technical Education 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 Career Technical Education 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 Career Technical Education 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 College, Career, and Technical Education CCTE Liaison will meet with the Program Advisory Committee (PAC).
State-designated Career Technical Education CTE Partnership Programs (formerly referred to as AfterDark) are state-designated Career Technical Education CTE Programs in different delivery models. Career Technical Education CTE Partnership Programs are required to meet the Career Technical Education Regulations Code of Massachusetts Regulations CMR 603 4.03: Program Approval Criteria and Operational Requirements. There is one application for Career Technical Education CTE Programs and Career Technical Education CTE Partnership Programs, which some variation in questions. Learn more about Career Technical Education CTE Partnership Programs. Districts applying for a Career Technical Education CTE Program should refer to the FY26 Career Technical Education CTE & Career Technical Education CTE Partnership New Program Application Resource for all stages of the process — Intent to Apply, Part A, and Part B.
All applications for the 2026-2027 application cycle are submitted in Grants for Education Management System GEM$. Please use the document FY27 Guidance on Accessing Career Technical Education CTE Intent to Apply in Grants for Education Management System GEM$ .
The Office for College, Career, and Technical Education provides a Liaison for every district in the Commonwealth. College, Career, and Technical Education 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 College, Career, and Technical Education CCTE liaison or the liaison assigned to their region, for additional questions.
Please visit the Career Connected Learning Hub for Career Technical Education CTE Instructional Frameworks and resources.
All programs must be fully approved prior to June 30, 2027 to be able to operate in SY2027-2028.
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 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE that support the Educational Vision. Please consider these resources:
Last Updated: June 2, 2026