Funding Options For Industry Credentials
Numerous education grants and funding programs are available to help middle schools, high schools, and post-secondary schools offset the cost of certification testing and workforce training. Many of these programs support CTE initiatives and help you provide students with access to industry credentials that lead to skilled trades careers.
Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education (CTE) Grant
The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act supports CTE programs across the United States. Perkins funding helps states strengthen secondary and post-secondary career and technical education programs, including programs that prepare students for industry certification and workforce careers.
Title IV, Part A Student Support And Academic Enrichment
Title IV, Part A provides formula funding to districts that qualified for Title I funding the prior year. Schools can use these funds to support a well-rounded education, safe and healthy learning environments, and effective use of technology, categories that can include CTE credential programs and workforce training that prepare students for industry careers.
Brighter Futures Educator Of The Year Award
The Brighter Futures Educator of the Year Award recognizes CTE educators who go above and beyond to prepare students for skilled trades and industry careers. We created this award to celebrate the educators who make career readiness possible in their classrooms every day, and to invest in the work they do. This award is open to educators who currently administer student certification testing, training, or courses on the BrightShift platform during the applicable award year.
State CTE Funding
Many states offer their own CTE funding streams in addition to federal programs, and eligibility and application windows vary widely by state. Your state CTE director is the best resource for identifying funding opportunities available in your state and how to apply for them.
US Department of Education Grants
The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) administers hundreds of grants that support education programs across the country, including Pell Grants. Schools can explore available funding opportunities and learn more about Pell Grant eligibility through the Department of Education website.
Foundation for Rural Services Grants
The Foundation for Rural Service provides annual grants to communities served by National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA) members. These grants support local initiatives that strengthen education, technology access, and community development in rural America. Awards can reach up to $5,000.
Voya Unsung Heroes Awards Program
The Voya Unsung Heroes Awards Program recognizes innovative classroom projects and progressive teaching ideas. The program helps educators secure funding to support impactful learning experiences for their students.
Florida CAPE Secondary
The Florida Department of Education’s Career and Professional Education (CAPE) program is designed to provide students with opportunities to earn industry certifications and credentials while still in high school. The CAPE program aims to prepare students for both college and career pathways by integrating academic content with practical, hands-on experience in various career fields.
Donors Choose
The Florida Department of Education’s Career and Professional Education (CAPE) program gives students the opportunity to earn industry certifications while still in high school. CAPE programs prepare students for college and career pathways by combining academic instruction with practical, hands-on experience in a variety of career fields.
McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation
The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation offers Academic Enrichment Grants for extracurricular programs that support ongoing learning and student engagement. These grants fund projects that deepen student knowledge, expand awareness of the world around them, and support meaningful classroom initiatives. Awards can reach up to $10,000 per year for up to three years.
Non-Traditional Funding Options
School fundraisers, partnerships with workforce development organizations, and donations from local businesses may also help educators and administrators offset the cost of certification testing programs.
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