Department of Education Announces Final Competitive Grant Priorities

Recently, the U.S. Department of Education unveiled the list of the Administration’s final supplemental grant priorities. As we reported last fall, the department awards approximately $700 million in discretionary competitive grants each year, and these priorities will help direct grant funding going forward. Though the Administration requested public feedback on the draft priorities list in October (ACTE and ADVANCE CTE provided joint comments), few changes were incorporated into the final version. However, the priorities do include many themes related to CTE, including STEM education, economic development, skills training and personalized learning. The list includes:

1. Empowering Families to Choose a High-Quality Education that Meets Their Child’s Unique Needs.
2. Promoting Innovation and Efficiency, Streamlining Education with an Increased Focus on Improving Student Outcomes, and Providing Increased Value to Students and Taxpayers.
3. Fostering Flexible and Affordable Paths to Obtaining Knowledge and Skills.
4. Fostering Knowledge and Promoting the Development of Skills that Prepare Students to be Informed, Thoughtful, and Productive Individuals and Citizens.
5. Meeting the Unique Needs of Students and Children, including those with Disabilities and/or with Unique Gifts and Talents.
6. Promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education, With a Particular Focus on Computer Science.
7. Promoting Literacy.
8. Promoting Effective Instruction in Classrooms and Schools.
9. Promoting Economic Opportunity.
10. Encouraging Improved School Climate and Safer and More Respectful Interactions in a Positive and Safe Educational Environment.
11. Ensuring that Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families Have Access to High-Quality Educational Choices.