$24.2M in Grants Will Expand Student Access to In-Demand Career & Technical Education Programs

LANSING – Fifty-six school districts from around Michigan will be able to fill the gap by meeting the rising student demand with more than $24.2 million in CTE expansion grants from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE).

The three-year competitive grants are designed to expand student access to high-quality CTE programs aligned with high-skill, high-wage and in-demand occupations—particularly in CTE deserts and districts with demonstrated opportunity gaps.

“Awarding these grants to local school districts is yet another way that we are helping to put Students First,” said State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko. “Michigan has experienced record enrollment in CTE programs in recent years, but we haven’t been able to fully keep up with the demand. These grants will give students more access to CTE programs that prepare them for postsecondary education and rewarding careers.”

A complete list of the 87 grants approved for 56 school districts can be found on the MDE website.

CTE programs contribute to several goals in Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan. That includes Goal 4, to expand secondary learning opportunities for all students; Goal 5, to increase the percentage of all students who graduate from high school; and Goal 6, to increase the percentage of adults with a post-secondary credential.

This year’s funded proposals will launch 46 new middle school and 41 new high school CTE programs across the state. At the high school level, there is strong interest in computer programming, digital/multimedia design, construction trades, welding and business administration and management, reflecting statewide demand for talent in information technology, skilled trades and business leadership. At the middle school level, digital technology, construction and especially advanced manufacturing are widely represented across districts, signaling strong momentum in early career exposure to high-demand technical fields. 

Funding is through state Section 61v CTE Expansion Grant dollars allocated by the Michigan Legislature and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

“Michigan is experiencing remarkable growth in Career and Technical Education, with a 44% increase in state-approved programs over the last decade—strengthening our workforce pipeline and opening new pathways for students to gain in-demand skills,” said Celena Mills, director of the MDE Office of Career and Technical Education. “We are deeply grateful to the legislature for investing in this momentum through Section 61v funding, which is helping expand access to high-quality CTE programs across our state. We look forward to building on this progress and adding even more opportunities for students in the next round.”

The grant provides funding for districts to develop and sustain high-quality career and technical education programs that expand access in underserved areas, address opportunity gaps and strengthen students’ career exploration and academic alignment. These grants are designed to increase opportunities for students to earn stackable, industry-recognized credentials tied to regional labor market needs and to support meaningful, career-focused pathways that help improve high school completion and long-term student success.

School districts of all sizes were awarded grants, with the majority going to small and medium-sized districts.

Thanks to this new grant, Michigan is opening the door for middle school CTE for the first time—an opportunity many states still do not offer.

Michigan was the first state to be awarded funding for a Manufacturing and Engineering Education Reimagined for All Lab. This innovative program is a competency-based K–12 manufacturing education program launching in grades 6–8 to inspire and train the next generation of Michigan’s manufacturing workforce. It delivers a turnkey solution—including applied learning labs equipped with industry-relevant tools (first-of-its-kind in Michigan), curriculum aligned with real-world manufacturing and engineering, and a statewide teacher-training network to streamline classroom implementation

Kelsey Robertson, founder and CEO, TECHnista, LLC, an educational consulting firm that is a partner in the middle school manufacturing program, is excited about the opportunity provided by the grant. 

“The 61v CTE Expansion Grant is a powerful opportunity to open doors for students across Michigan—especially those who haven’t always had access to career-connected learning,” said Kelsey Robertson, founder and CEO, TECHnista, LLC, which provides curriculum for teaching technical concepts and is working to expand CTE in Michigan. “At TECHnista, we’re proud to partner with the State of Michigan to bring the Manufacturing and Engineering Education Reimagined for All middle school program to life, giving students hands-on, industry-aligned experiences as early as sixth grade. Together, we’re helping more young people see a future for themselves in high-demand careers while building a stronger, more prepared workforce for the state.”

Efforts to expand CTE will continue beyond the awarding of the $24.2 million in grant dollars being announced today.

A second round of funding is expected soon, and an updated timeline will be posted on the 61v Michigan CTE Expansion Grant webpage when available. Additionally, a virtual professional development session will be offered on June 4 for districts that did not apply or were not approved in the first round. This session will support districts in strengthening their applications for the second funding cycle.

Gov. Whitmer’s fiscal year 2027 executive budget recommendation includes nearly $70 million in CTE-related funding.

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