Student Completion Awards (CTE Certifications)
Eligibility
Wisconsin public school districts with students completing approved CTE programs and earning qualifying industry-recognized credentials (IRCs). Awards are formula-based and distributed through DPI — districts do not compete for individual student awards.
Program Goals
Wisconsin's Student Completion Award program pays districts $500 for each student who earns an approved industry-recognized credential through a CTE program. The goal is to incentivize credential attainment and reward districts for producing students with verified, employer-recognized skills in technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and other high-demand fields.
Application
No competitive application required. Districts submit student credential completion data to DPI through the standard CTE reporting process. DPI calculates awards based on verified completers and distributes funds through the state aid payment system. Contact your district CTE director to ensure accurate reporting.
Cycle Notes
Annual distribution tied to the state budget and DPI CTE reporting calendar. Districts should ensure all qualifying student completions are accurately documented and submitted before DPI's data collection deadline each year.
Award Amount
$500 per student earning a qualifying industry-recognized credential. Total district award depends on the number of verified completers. Active CTE programs with strong credential attainment can generate significant formula revenue for the district.
Allowable Purchases
Formula award funds go into the district's general CTE program budget. Forward Education products that support the kinds of CS and technology CTE pathways that generate credential completion awards:
- Coding for Good Kit — Builds the foundational CS skills that lead to credentials like CompTIA IT Fundamentals and AWS Cloud Practitioner.
- Forward Education Learning Platform — Provides structured curriculum and teacher tools that improve CTE program quality and student completion rates.
- Smart Solar Energy Kit — Supports energy and manufacturing CTE pathways that qualify students for credentials in those sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which student credentials qualify for the $500 award?
WI DPI maintains an approved list of industry-recognized credentials. Examples include CompTIA IT Fundamentals+, AWS Cloud Practitioner, and manufacturing certifications. Check dpi.wi.gov/cte for the current list.
Is this the same as the CTE Incentive Grant?
No. The Student Completion Award is a formula program (automatic, per-completer). The CTE Incentive Grant is a separate competitive application. Districts can access both.
Does the student need to complete the full CTE sequence?
Students must complete an approved CTE program and earn the qualifying credential. Completion of individual courses without credential attainment does not generate an award.
How does the district receive the funds?
Funds flow through the DPI state aid payment system directly to the district. No special request is needed beyond accurate data submission.
Can these funds be used for equipment in the CTE classroom?
Yes. Formula award funds are CTE program funds and can generally be used for equipment, curriculum, and materials that support the programs generating the awards.
Need Help With Your Grant Application?
Forward Education's grant support team helps Wisconsin schools navigate funding opportunities, write stronger applications, and select the right products for their programs.
Download the Wisconsin Grant Guide
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