Excel in CTE Initiative (SB 155)
Eligibility
Kansas high school students enrolled in approved Career and Technical Education courses. Schools with KSDE-approved CTE programs in computer science, technology, or other technical pathways qualify. Districts apply to have courses approved through KSDE.
Program Goals
The Excel in CTE Initiative (SB 155) pays college tuition for Kansas students who complete approved technical courses — reducing barriers to post-secondary education and creating strong incentives for schools to develop rigorous CTE pathways. Computer science, coding, and technology courses are a natural fit for SB 155 approval.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Districts apply to KSDE to have their CTE courses approved under SB 155. Once approved, the state pays tuition for enrolled students at Kansas post-secondary institutions. Contact KSDE Career and Technical Education for the current approval process.
Cycle Notes
Formula-based — ongoing. Districts with approved courses receive funding based on student enrollment. Contact KSDE for the current course approval process and enrollment deadlines.
Grant Award Amount
State pays college tuition for each student completing an approved technical course. The value is per-student tuition at a Kansas post-secondary institution. High-enrollment programs receive proportionally more state funding.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- Coding for Good Kit — an all-in-one coding, robotics, and AI literacy toolkit using micro:bit for real-world challenges
- CodeCTRL controller with display for micro:bit — a handheld game-style controller for interactive games and physical computing
- Forward Education Learning Platform — curriculum-aligned STEM lessons, coding tutorials, career profiles, and PD courses
- CHARGE Battery Pack for micro:bit — a compact rechargeable power solution that makes micro:bit projects fully portable
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SB 155 directly pay for classroom equipment?
No — SB 155 pays student college tuition. However, having an approved SB 155 course creates strong justification for using Perkins V and Title IV-A funds to purchase CTE equipment.
How does a school get a course approved?
Apply to KSDE Career and Technical Education. Courses must meet state CTE standards and connect to post-secondary pathways at Kansas institutions.
What types of courses qualify?
Technology, computer science, engineering, health sciences, business, and skilled trades — any KSDE-approved technical course tied to a post-secondary pathway.
Does SB 155 help justify other grant applications?
Yes — having an SB 155-approved CS course demonstrates state recognition of your program quality, strengthening Perkins V and Patterson Foundation applications.
How can Forward Education help?
Our Coding for Good Kit and Learning Platform support the coding and technology learning outcomes that KSDE CTE standards require for SB 155 course approval.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals.
- Curriculum alignment documents — Kansas standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing
- Letters of support
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence
