Today, July 15, 2020, the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) announced $1,787,936 in grants to help Colorado high schools and colleges expand career technical education (CTE).

The Innovations in CTE Grant was made possible by the state’s new Strategic Plan for CTE, funded by federal Perkins dollars, to fund projects that align with the plan, encourage partnerships, and reflect innovative ideas or practices that advance CTE programming.

This is the first time CCCS has awarded the Innovations in CTE grants. An expert panel, that included business and workforce representatives, reviewed competitive proposals and determined twelve grants for award ranging from $23,000 to $250,000.

“We are excited to make these awards and offer meaningful investments in high-quality CTE projects that will positively impact CTE students, educators and programs across the state,” said Dr. Sarah Heath, state director for Career Technical Education and associate vice chancellor at the Colorado Community College System.

Gants recipients reflect the wide range of where and how CTE is offered, including school districts, colleges, area technical colleges, and school cooperatives, and represent regions across the state in rural, suburban, and urban locations.

“This will be a great opportunity for thousands of young people who want to combine in-demand job-training skills with relevant classroom education,” said Joe Garcia, chancellor of the Colorado Community College System.

With these additional funds, the selected groups will go above-and-beyond in supporting and preparing students for the workforce. Activities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Developing work-based learning opportunities
• Creating world-class laboratory simulations that supports both in-person and online learning
• Creating a new apprenticeship program for Veterinary Technology
• Strengthening the pipeline for industry-ready Equipment Technicians, specifically for the Agriculture sector
• Purchasing industry equipment
• Resources to develop new professional development opportunities for staff

CCCS awarded grants to the following recipients: