Grants and Other Financial Assistance Programs

FY2027: Innovation Career Pathways Implementation Grant — Round 2

Fund Code: 419B

Purpose:

The purpose of the Innovation Career Pathways Implementation grant is to provide designated Innovation Career Pathways with resources to support program implementation.

Priorities:

Grant priorities are as follows:

  • Supporting designees in the execution of their approved designation plan such that the Innovation Career Pathway program meets all criteria requirements.

  • Priority will be given to districts and schools in the strategic transformation region.

Eligibility:

Eligible applicants will be districts that have received Innovation Career Pathway Designation from DESE .

Funding Type:

State 7027-0020

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:

Approximately $6,075,000

Schools that were approved for their first Innovation Career Pathways program in Spring 2026 for implementation in SY26-27 are eligible for up to $75,000. All other schools with Innovation Career Pathways, designated between 2022 and 2026, are eligible for up to $50,000.

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:

Funds from the state will be used to support designated Innovation Career Pathway's adherence to the five guiding principles .

Allowable funding expenses include:

  • Program administration and coordination;
  • Stipends for K–12 and higher education faculty;
  • Curricular development;
  • Engagement with MassHire boards and industry;
  • Providing work-based learning opportunities for students;
  • Professional development;
  • Instructional-related supplies and materials;
  • High quality college and career advising and MyCAP development throughout the school and embedded in the pathway;
  • Industry recognized credentials;
  • Expenses associated with student participation in dual enrollment courses;
  • Student transportation.

The following expenses are not allowable:

  • Student stipends;
  • Capital improvements;
  • Equipment;
  • Computers, including laptops;
  • Subscriptions to platforms for MyCAP implementation;
  • Multi-year subscriptions;
  • Outside consulting services totaling more than X% of the grant.

Additional Notes:

  • Grant funds may not be used for the purchase of technology, including computers.
  • Funds may not be used for subscription purchases to software platforms.
  • Funds may not be used to purchase snacks or food for staff or students.

Funds must be used in alignment with the purpose and priorities outlined and as described in a budget, budget narrative, and required program information that is submitted to the Department's Office of College, Career and Technical Education (CCTE).

Project Duration:

Upon Approval – 6/30/2027

Program Unit:

Office for College, Career and Technical Education

Contact:

Jennifer Gwatkin jennifer.a.gwatkin@mass.gov

Date Due:

Thursday, September 10, 2026 by 5:00 p.m.

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

Competitive grant applications are considered submitted when the grant application is submitted by the Superintendent or their designee through the "LEA Superintendent / Chief Executive Approved" step in GEM$. In order to be considered for competitive funding, applicants must submit a grant application through the LEA Superintendent Approved stage by the due date and time listed in the RFP.

All responses must be submitted through proper steps and received by the due date/time listed above. Failure to do so will result in disqualification. Responses not received on time will not be reviewed. Applicants applying after the due date may be notified their application was received late and will not be reviewed. Applications must be submitted as directed in the Submissions Instructions below. Failure to do so may result in disqualification. If you need assistance with submitting your application, please reach out to the contact person listed on this funding opportunity.

Additional Information:

All required questions will be in the Grant Application in GEM$. Questions and Answers — Applicants can find all the questions asked regarding this funding opportunity and DESE's response.

Submission Instructions:

The FY27 419B Innovation Career Pathways Implementation Grant will be submitted in our GEM$ system.

Grants for Education Management System (GEM$)

New organizations that do not have an established LEA with DESE skip to Step 3.

Step 1: Establish and assign proper roles before the grant due date/time. 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.

Step 2: Submit the grant through all LEA steps in GEM$. There are three LEA steps a competitive grant must be submitted through by the due date and time to be considered for funding:

  • Grantwriter Submitted
  • LEA Fiscal Representative Approved
  • LEA Superintendent / Chief Executive Approved

Competitive grant applications are considered submitted once the grant application is submitted by the Superintendent or their designee through the "LEA Superintendent / Chief Executive Approved" step in GEM$. In order to be considered for competitive funding, applicants must submit a grant application through the LEA Superintendent Approved stage by the due date and time listed in the RFP. Please plan accordingly.

The Superintendent / Chief Executive Approved Step allows for the organization lead to review and approve the grant application. Removing the requirement for the Part I Standard Contract Form, this step signifies Superintendent /Chief Executive sign off. Any grant budget changes requiring signature, will re-execute this step when amended signifying the organization lead is approving these changes.

Step 3: (If applicable) New organizations request temporary organization access. New organizations are entities that have not been established as an LEA in GEM$. Entities that do not have an organization established in GEM$ must contact the DESE Program Unit issuing this grant at a minimum 5 business days prior to the grant due date for temporary organization access.

Temporary Access will need to be created by DESE before you can then assign the proper roles and submit the grant as outlined in Steps 1 and 2.

Failure to provide DESE with GEM$ Temp Organization Access Request at least 5 business days prior to the due date may result in not meeting the submission due date listed above. DESE cannot accept or review applications after the due date.

Last Updated: August 14, 2026

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