Office of College, Career and Technical Education

New Career Technical Education Programs (C74) Application and Process

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).

Districts applying for a CTE Program should refer to the FY27 CTE 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 GEM$. Please use the document FY27 Guidance on Accessing CTE Intent to Apply in GEM$ .

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.

Please check this page regularly for updates. If you are seeking additional information on the designation process, please email marnie.a.jain@mass.gov

Career Technical Education (CTE) New Program Application Timeline — School Year 2026–27

All programs must be fully approved prior to June 30, 2027 to be able to operate in SY2027-2028.

  • Tuesday, June 30, 2026 — Intent to Apply due by 5:00 pm Please use the document FY27 Guidance on Accessing CTE Intent to Apply in GEM$ .
  • Friday, August 21, 2026 - Grant 412/422 application due by 5:00 pm. Districts are encouraged to apply for this competitive grant, available in GEM$. Please submit only if planning to submit Part A.
  • Friday, October 16, 2026 — Part A Application due by 5:00 pm
    • By November 20, 2026: Any outstanding Part A components or questions must be addressed.
    • Mid December 2026 — Part A Notifications - Successful applicants will be invited to submit Part B
    • Dates To Be Determined: 2-3 required PD and planning meetings that will be scheduled with at least three weeks’ notice.
  • Friday, March 5, 2027 — Part B Application Due by 5:00 pm
    • Between March 8 and April 15: Part B Application review by DESE staff and feedback provided to applicants.
    • By Friday, March 26, 2027: Districts schedule and confirm Safety, Health, and Accessibility Review (SHAR) Onsites date and time with their CCTE Liaison.
      • At least two weeks prior to the SHAR Onsite date, districts must complete the LEA section of the Methods of Administration (Accessibility) Template.
      • At least one week prior to the SHAR Onsite date: districts will use the safety and health checklist(s) from their program specific safety and health plan(s) to review each program facilities and equipment.
    • Between April 5, 2027 and June 18, 2027:
      • All Safety, Health, and Accessibility Review (SHAR) Onsites occur
      • All meetings between Program Advisory Committees (PACs) and CCTE Liaisons occur.
    • By Friday, May 14, 2027: All Part B desk review components must meet requirements. This includes addressing any outstanding clarifications or additional documents requested by the CCTE Liaison. Exceptions are only those components that are related to facilities, equipment, and licensure and only for those districts that have provided sufficient documentation of the need to extend to June 25, 2027.
    • By Thursday, June 24, 2027: Applicants must have remediated all Safety items identified during the SHAR, as evidenced by written summary and photographs that have been reviewed and approved by the CCTE Liaison.
    • Within 10 business days of receiving the Letter of Finding (LOF) based on the Accessibility Review component of the SHAR Onsite, the district must submit the Voluntary Compliance Plan (VCP). Note: The LOF may be issued after the designation decisions.
  • By Friday, June 25, 2027: All requirements for designation must be met.

Last Updated: July 28, 2026

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