Texas Career and Technical Education (CTE) Allotment
Eligibility
Any Texas school district offering TEA-approved CTE courses can receive the CTE allotment. Eligibility is triggered automatically when students are enrolled in properly coded CTE courses in PEIMS. Districts must ensure their courses are coded correctly to receive the full allotment.
- Eligible: All Texas districts with approved CTE courses
- Courses must be coded with approved CTE codes in PEIMS
- Computer science, coding, robotics, and cybersecurity courses commonly qualify
- No separate application - funding is automatic based on enrollment
Program Goals
Texas provides a 2x per-pupil funding weight for students enrolled in approved Career and Technical Education courses. Each CTE student generates roughly twice the base allotment in state funding. For districts with large CTE enrollment in technology and computing courses, the additional revenue is significant.
TEA approves specific CTE course codes that trigger the 2x weight. Courses in computer science, coding, robotics, cybersecurity, and physical computing pathways are commonly approved. PEIMS coding must be correct or the district loses the funding.
How Much Funding This Generates
At a base allotment of roughly $6,160 per pupil, the CTE weight adds approximately another $6,160 per student in an approved course. A school with 200 students in qualifying coding courses generates over $1.2 million in additional state funding annually. Even a modest CTE program creates meaningful budget room.
Allowed Uses
CTE allotment revenue is general district revenue. Districts can use it for any educational purpose, but the intent is to support CTE program quality. CTE tools, curriculum, equipment, and teacher development are all natural uses of this funding.
Allowable Purchases
CTE allotment revenue can be directed toward equipment, curriculum, and teacher development for CTE programs. TEKS-aligned coding and physical computing tools are strong CTE program investments.
Forward Education Tools That Qualify
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micro:bit Classroom Kits
Physical computing and coding tools for CTE courses in Computer Science, Engineering, and Information Technology. TEKS-aligned and purpose-built for secondary CTE classrooms. -
MicroChat AI Literacy Kit
AI literacy curriculum for CTE pathways focused on technology and computing. Prepares students for careers in AI-driven industries through hands-on learning. -
Coding for Good Kit
Applied coding curriculum with real-world career connections. Strong fit for CTE pathways emphasizing problem-solving and applied technology skills.
Keep in Mind
The 2x CTE weight is triggered by PEIMS course codes. If your courses are miscoded, you lose the funding. Work with your district's PEIMS coordinator to verify course codes before each reporting period.
Many CS and coding courses qualify for CTE funding if properly structured and coded. Check TEA's current approved CTE course list to see if your courses already qualify or can be converted.
Walk your principal and curriculum director through the numbers. 200 CTE students in approved courses generates over $1.2 million in additional state funding. That revenue can fund equipment, teachers, and program expansion.
Unlike IMA, CTE allotment funds are general district revenue with no spending restrictions. This gives you flexibility to use the additional funding for any program need.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents - TEKS and state standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing - classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support - documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence - ready-to-use program outlines
Download the Forward Education Grant Guide
Our grant guide helps educators find the right funding sources and build strong applications for STEM and coding programs.
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