FY2027: CTE Frameworks and Competency Based Implementation

Fund Code: 0426

Purpose:

All districts with state-designated CTE programs are required to demonstrate alignment with the CTE frameworks by June 2027. Districts will submit demonstration through a GEM$ Supplemental Application Form. This grant supports ongoing work of the districts towards alignment and preparation for demonstration.

Through this process, districts will update and implement program scope and sequence tools to guide the implementation of Career Technical Education (CTE) Frameworks and competency-based systems within state-designated CTE programs.

Districts will support school teams in the framework alignment process by developing the scope and sequence to inform curriculum design, lesson planning, assessment practices, and student engagement strategies.

As part of the alignment, districts will provide information about their program framework alignment including addressing these questions, at the core of high quality CTE programs:

• What is the progression of coursework students experience in the program in alignment with the CTE Framework?
• What work-based learning opportunities are built into the program in alignment with the CTE Framework?
• Which industry recognized credentials and postsecondary credits (college, licensure, apprenticeship, etc.) do students have the opportunity to earn in alignment with the CTE Framework?
• How do students engage in MyCAP including career exploration and postsecondary planning as part of the program in alignment with the CTE Framework?
• Who are the program educators in alignment with the CTE Framework?
• What roles and perspectives are represented in the Program Advisory Committee and how often do they meet to support CTE Framework implementation?

Priorities:

Priority will be given to applicants that demonstrate readiness and capacity to:

• Implement Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to ensure equitable access to deeper learning, especially for students with disabilities and English learners.
• Align practices with the WIDA 2020 Framework and English Learner Blueprint.
• Train staff in high-leverage best practices for students with disabilities (e.g., scaffolded support, explicit instruction, UDL).
• Provide professional development and coaching to support effective tool use and framework implementation.
• Integrate High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) with competency-based curriculum and assessment.
• Establish instructional leadership structures that promote culturally and linguistically sustaining practices.
• Engage in student-led career development planning and foster student ownership and self-monitoring of learning progress.

Priority will be given to districts and schools in the strategic transformation region and districts and schools in DESE’s Accelerating Achievement initiative.

Eligibility:

Eligible applicants include any school district with State-designation Career Technical Education programs.

Funding Type:

$2,210,000 is available for this grant program.

Federal CFDA 84.048

Federal grant funds must adhere to:

• UGG (2 CFR 200)
• EDGAR As Applicable
• EDGAR General Fiscal Administration 34 CFR Part 76

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:

Targeted Funding Allocated per District

• Schools with 1 state-designated CTE program as of Oct 2025
  • serving fewer than 200 students eligible for $5,000
  • serving greater than 200 students eligible for $15,000
• Schools with 2–5 state-designated CTE programs as of Oct 2025
  • serving fewer than 200 students eligible for $10,000
  • serving 200–550 students eligible for $15,000
  • serving greater than 550 students eligible for $30,000
• Schools with 6 or greater state-designated CTE programs as of Oct 2025
  • serving 200–400 students eligible for $20,000
  • serving 400–600 students eligible for $25,000
  • serving 600–800 students eligible for $30,000
  • serving 800–1,000 students eligible for $35,000
  • serving greater than 1,000 students eligible for $40,000

Allocations are available here (link to excel spreadsheet).

This RFP is the governing document for these grant funds.

Funding is contingent upon availability. 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:

Allowable expenditures include:

• Stipends for staff support and time
• Professional Development related to curriculum implementation

Project Duration:

Upon Approval (No Earlier than 7/1/2026)* – 9/30/2026

*The grant start date is the date on which DESE receives a substantially approvable Application Submission as directed in this RFP’s Submission Instructions. Goods and Services cannot be procured prior to the submission of a substantially approvable application. Funds cannot exceed the project duration end date.

Program Unit:

Office of College, Career, and Technical Education

Contact:

Garvy Altine

Phone Number:

781-338-3905

Date Due:

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Proposals must be received at the Department by 5:00 p.m. Eastern on the date due.

Submission Instructions:

The FY27 0426 CTE Frameworks and Competency Based Implementation must be submitted in GEM$.

• Grants for Education Management System (GEM$)

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 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: May 21, 2026