Career and Technical EducationAcademic Excellence :

What is Career and Technical Education?

Career and Technical Education (CTE) provides support and assistance to high school students through career and technical education programs in Minnesota schools. CTE students gain academic and technical skills in various occupational pathways and develop solid college and career paths while still in school. The department oversees state program approval and funding distribution under the federal Carl D. Perkins and Tech Prep programs, the state transition-disabled program, and local career and technical education levies. Curriculum support and guidance is provided for both laboratory- and work-based learning.

The Academic Standards page contains CTE-related education program information for Agricultural Education, Business & Marketing, Family & Consumer Sciences, Health Science Education, and Trades & Industry Technology as well as all other subject areas.

New!  Important Grant Information Update

The Minnesota Department of Education is pleased to announce the launch of a new Grants Management System. The system will provide a stream-lined process for grant applicants to search for and download grant opportunities in a dedicated location. During the transition process, existing, open grant applications will continue to be located within the relevant program site location, though supporting materials and resources – including FAQs – will be available only from the Grants Information page. Visit the new Grants Information page.

Career and Technical Education Grants Awarded

The Minnesota Department of Education announced the eight high school programs that have been chosen to receive Career Pathways grants. The awards will support new career and technical education courses leading to industry certifications in occupations deemed to be of moderate to high growth in that region of the state. Click here to view our Grant Opportunities and Awards page. Read news release with list of awardees.

CTE Program Administration-Perkins Grant

Carl D. Perkins is a federal grant that provides funds for approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs where teachers hold the appropriate license. Funds are granted to districts and consortia of districts on a formula basis and can be used in CTE programs for professional development, academic and skill attainment, upgrading of equipment, school- and work-based experiences, and career counseling and guidance. The Perkins-CTE Administration page at right contains program descriptions, Office of Education (OE) Codes, and more.

CTE Forms and Resources

The CTE Forms and Resources page includes the CTE Framework as well as forms and supporting documents that can help schools and districts develop, implement or expand programs. Choose the link at right.

Community Education

Community Education programs are administered by school districts. Districts that operate these programs must comply with state reporting requirements. For required reporting forms, including the form to request interpreter/notetaker services for deaf and hard of hearing adults, visit the Required District and School Reports page.

Tech Prep Programs

Tech Prep is a sequenced program of study that combines at least two years of secondary and two years of postsecondary education (as defined under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Act of 1984).

Tech Prep is designed to help students gain academic knowledge and technical skills. Students often earn college credits for their secondary coursework. Programs are intended to lead to an associate’s degree or a certificate in a specific career field, and ultimately to high-wage, high-skill employment or advanced postsecondary training. Federal funds are distributed to states, which then award grants for planning and implementation to consortia of local secondary education agencies and postsecondary institutions to plan and operate Tech Prep programs.   Contact:  John Raphael - 651-582-8682

Work-Based Learning Programs

Work-Based Learning describes any formalized learning consisting of instruction that occurs concurrently at a school and a worksite. Work-based learning involves a sequential building of knowledge and skills that provide opportunities for students to build career awareness, explore career options and develop critical thinking skills. They are a collaborative effort among businesses, schools, students and parents. A licensed coordinator provides the preparation for participating in a work-based learning experience including safety instruction, work site rules of conduct and the school and business expectations. Documentation is maintained for all students in these programs. An employer’s guide and an FAQ document on Work-Based Learning are available on the CTE Forms and Resources page.  Contact:  Al Hauge  - 651-582-8409