The purpose of the CTE Innovative Program (Perkins Reserve) is to provide leadership by initiating and advancing improvements to public education.
Grant funds are competitive and not all grant applications may be funded. Grant submissions are evaluated by a review team consisting of internal CTE staff. Grants are awarded based on the scope of work, anticipated outcomes, statewide implementation and relevancy to current CTE initiatives using a competitive scoring rubric and a neutral review team.
$674,339 was granted for awards in FY2023 and 2024.
The Arizona industry credentials incentive program is established within the department of education to provide incentive awards to school districts, charter schools and career technical education districts for high school graduates who obtain a certification, credential or license that is accepted by a vocation or industry through a career technical education course or program.
An entity must be receiving Perkins funding or a state Career and Technical Education District to be eligible to apply for a CTE Innovative grant.
Applications were to be submitted by May 1, 2024. A similar deadline is anticipated annually.
Total funds available for the Innovative grants varies from year to year based on total allocation received and other initiatives to be funded. The allocation of funds for the Innovative grants may not exceed 15% of the Local Formula Distribution. Award amounts vary. The maximum award amount is $1,000,000. Project period is from July 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025.