Oklahoma CareerTech is expanding a grant opportunity to smaller schools that were not previously eligible.
The innovative grants are awarded through funds from the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which amended the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Act of 2006. Oklahoma receives about $18.4 million every year in Perkins grant money; 15% of the pass-through dollars is set aside for reserve funds. The other 85% is allocated to schools based on a federal formula.
“Oklahoma uses the reserve funds to provide innovative grant opportunities to distribute funding to schools across the state to expand CareerTech education opportunities for students,” said Steve Robison, federal grants compliance manager at Oklahoma CareerTech. “The purpose of the innovative grants is to develop new and sustainable projects for high need areas and create more innovative projects for classrooms.”
In fiscal year 26, Oklahoma CareerTech has awarded $3.25 million in innovative grants to K-12 schools, technology centers and colleges across the state.
Previously, secondary schools and technology centers applying for innovative grants were required to receive a Perkins allocation of at least $15,000. Tech centers and colleges serving postsecondary students must receive an allocation of at least $50,000.
In FY27, however, schools that are below the $15,000 minimum secondary allocation and that are otherwise members of a consortium will be eligible to participate.
Grants are available in eight areas: career development and programs of study; career pathways, workforce and industry partnerships; supporting CTE special populations; high growth and emerging technologies; innovation in career exploration; innovative strategies to recruit and retain (High Schools That Work, Tech Centers That Work and other strategies); CTE new program; and improving academic proficiency.
School districts must complete a comprehensive local needs assessment and have at least two programs to apply. Grants open to new applicants in March for FY27 funding.
More information about the Perkins innovative grants is available on the Oklahoma CareerTech website at https://oklahoma.gov/careertech/educators/perkins/innovation-grants.html.
Oklahoma CareerTech: Oklahoma’s Workforce Leader
The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education provides leadership and resources and assures standards of excellence for a comprehensive statewide system of career and technology education. The system offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts operating on 63 campuses, 394 PK-12 school districts, 20 Skills Centers campuses that include three juvenile facilities and 49 adult education and family literacy providers.
The agency is governed by the State Board of Career and Technology Education and works closely with the State Department of Education and the State Regents for Higher Education to provide a seamless educational system for all Oklahomans.
