Eligibility

North Carolina public school districts and charter schools may apply. Grants support innovation in CTE and career readiness, including grade expansion of CTE pathways and pilot program development. Eligibility requirements vary by specific grant cycle — check the Commission's current RFP for details.

Program Goals

The NC Education and Workforce Innovation Commission awards competitive grants to help North Carolina schools develop and scale innovative CTE programs and career readiness initiatives. Programs funded by the Commission address workforce shortages, expand access to CTE pathways in underserved areas, and support grade-level expansion of career and technical courses. The Commission works in partnership with NC DPI to identify funding priorities.

Application and Distribution

Grant opportunities are announced by NC DPI following Commission decisions. Applications are submitted through the NC DPI grant system. Cycle timing is determined by the Commission and varies year to year. Contact NC DPI's CTE office directly for current grant opportunities and application timelines.

Cycle Notes

Commission grant cycles are not on a fixed annual schedule — they depend on Commission votes and state budget decisions. Monitor the NC DPI CTE page at dpi.nc.gov for current announcements. Contact the NC DPI CTE office for the most up-to-date information.

Grant Award Amount

Grant amounts vary by project and Commission allocation. Individual awards have typically ranged from $10,000 to $100,000 per school or district, depending on program scope and the number of students served.

Allowable Purchases

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for Education and Workforce Innovation Commission Grants in NC?

NC public school districts and charter schools may apply when grant cycles are open. Eligibility requirements vary by specific program. Check current Commission RFPs through NC DPI.

How much funding is available through Commission grants?

Awards typically range from $10,000 to $100,000 per award, depending on program scope. Amounts vary by Commission funding cycle.

Can Commission grant funds be used for STEM and coding tools?

Yes. Commission grant funds can support hands-on STEM materials, physical computing kits, and coding curriculum when they align to the program's stated goals. Document alignment to program objectives before purchasing.

How do North Carolina schools apply for Commission grants?

Monitor the NC DPI website for Commission grant announcements. Applications are submitted through the NC DPI portal when cycles are open. Contact NC DPI's CTE office for current opportunities.

How can Forward Education help with Commission grant funding?

Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for North Carolina schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes Commission grants fund. Contact us before submitting your application.