New ED Grants for CTE Labs Announced

U.S. Department of Education (ED) Acting Secretary John King today announced the launch of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Makeover Challenge, a competition administered by ED to support innovative practices in CTE lab spaces. The competition will award $200,000 in funds to up to 10 recipient high schools to create “makerspaces,” dedicated, formalized facilities for making things, which can range from classrooms to libraries. The Department officially defines these spaces as “an environment or facility that provides resources, materials, and equipment for students to conceive, create, and collaborate through making.” These facilities, according to the Administration, will provide space and equipment for students to build their CTE-skills, from creative problem solving to technical aptitude.

The CTE Makeover Challenge presents an opportunity for CTE programs to upgrade their labs and equipment within the federal grant opportunity’s defined parameters, and ACTE members are encouraged to review the Federal Register notice to determine their interest and eligibility.  The deadline for initial submissions is April 1, 2016, so don’t delay!

The initial submission period will be followed by a “CTE Makeover Bootcamp” during which those verified as eligible entrants will have the opportunity to access master classes, online learning resource, and experts on “making” to plan their makerspaces and revise their applications. The Bootcamp period will last until May 22, 2016.  

Applications will ultimately be judged on five criteria, including whether the space is innovative, replicable, multi-functional, feasible and sustainable. Bonus points will be awarded to applicants that will serve low-income students. Applications must be submitted on the official challenge website - http://www.ctemakeoverchallenge.com/, which also contains additional information about the project.

King spoke at length about the Administration’s support for the “Maker Movement” and President Obama’s Nation of Makers initiative during his remarks, including announcing the White House’s participation in Nation Week of Making from June 17-23 and plans to host the National Maker Faire on June 18-19 in Washington, D.C, where winners of the new challenge will be announced.

Comments

[Pamela A. Teague, RN]

This is so exciting! Our Career Academy just approved an "Expanding the Vision" plan and we are preparing to add some new health care provider programs and our community college is adding an Associate degree in Medical Office Administration with billing and coding and some of our concurrent credit and internships will get our students better prepared for several health care careers or post secondary! This is sensational!

[Karen]

Looking forward to next years competition.

[sarah]

Such competitions should be held every year