FY2026: Career Connected Learning — Program Development Grant

Fund Code: 422A

Purpose:

The purpose of this targeted grant is to provide resources for developing and expanding Career Technical Education to eligible recipients that applied and were determined to move forward to Part B of designations.

Priorities:

This grant must be used to support the development and implementation of state designated pathway programs, including but not limited to:

• The development of work-based learning using the MEFA Pathway tool
• Processes and resources for implementing MyCAP
• Development of scope and sequence for programs aligned to the Career Connected Learning Frameworks on the MA Career Connected Learning Hub
• Development and training for processes and resources aligned to implementation of the Massachusetts Pathway Principles and other required program components.
• Equipment and instructional supplies necessary for implementation of the relevant career connected learning framework

This grant will prioritize at least 25% of available funds available for schools and districts in chronically underperforming status. If applications are not received from schools in status, funds will be distributed to other applicants.

Eligibility:

Eligible recipients are those that applied and were determined to move forward to Part B of designations.

Listed here: FY26 0422A — CCL New Program Development Grant

Funding Type:

State 7035-0001 Career Technical Grants

The receipt of grant funds is contingent upon the grantee being able to certify that it will comply with the Massachusetts General Laws, including G.L. c. 40A, § 3A, the MBTA Communities Act. Compliance with the MBTA Communities Act is determined by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.

Funding:

An approximate total amount of $300,000 is available to eligible applicants.

This RFP is the governing document for these grant funds.

Funding is contingent upon availability. Eligible organizations can apply for up to the amount listed here. All dollar amounts listed are estimated/approximate and are subject to change. If more funding becomes available it will be distributed under the same guidelines that appear in this RFP document.

Fund Use:

Funds may be used for services, supplies, equipment, curriculum development and program improvement and delivery expenses.

Funds must be used to ensure program quality and build capacity to serve students in CTE programs, aligned to Perkins Allowable Expenses .

Additional General Grant coding Guidance is available.

Project Duration:

Upon Approval* – June 30, 2026

* Grant start date cannot be prior to DESE receiving a substantially approvable Application Submission as directed in this RFP's Submission Instructions. Goods and Services cannot be procured prior to Grants receiving and approving an application submission. Funds cannot exceed the project duration end date.

Program Unit:

Office of College, Career, and Technical Education

Contact:

Raven Jordan

Date Due:

Monay December 1, 2025

Submission Instructions:

The FY26 422A Career Connected Learning - Program Development Grant will be submitted in the cloud-based fiscal and program management grant system GEM$.

Grants for Education Management System (GEM$)

Please Note: Grant Submission at the LEA level requires roles to be established for Grant writer for the specific fund code, LEA fiscal for financial review/approval, and Superintendent/Chief Executive sign off. All these roles should be established prior to the grant due date and all appropriate forms should be either uploaded to GEM$, maintained at the LEA level or sent in to the DESE RFP contact as described on the individual forms.

The user guidance documents and forms are found on the GEM$ homepage under DESE Resources. These forms can be accessed without logging in to the system.

Last Updated: September 18, 2025