California is one of the most funded states for CTE — but accessing that funding requires navigating multiple systems. Perkins V, the Strong Workforce Program, LCFF, CTEIG, and state competitive grants each have different timelines, eligibility rules, and application processes. This guide covers every major funding source available to California high school CTE programs and exactly how to apply for each.

Quick answer: California high school CTE programs can access federal Perkins V funds (~$130M+ distributed to LEAs annually), the K-12 Strong Workforce Program ($150M/year), and state competitive grants including CTEIG. Perkins V requires an annual local application due June 1. Strong Workforce funds flow through regional K-14 Technical Assistance providers.

California's CTE Funding Landscape

California's CTE funding system is more complex than most states — there are four main funding sources, each with its own administrator, application process, and allowable uses. At the top level, the California Department of Education (CDE) Career Technical Education Division oversees CTE policy and administers federal Perkins V funds. The California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office manages the Strong Workforce Program. Local districts manage LCFF and LCAP planning independently.

The state recognizes 15 CTE industry sectors, ranging from Agriculture and Education to Finance and Business & Finance. Programs must be CDE-approved to access most funding streams — approval is the prerequisite, not the afterthought. If you're adding a new program, that's the first step before any application.

Funding Source #1: Perkins V (Federal Formula Grants)

California receives more than $130M annually in federal Perkins V funding — one of the largest state allocations in the country. CDE distributes at least 85% of this directly to local education agencies (LEAs) through a formula that accounts for student population and poverty data. The remaining portion is reserved for state leadership activities.

Applications are submitted through CDE's Consolidated Application and Reporting System (CARS), which also handles other categorical program applications. Key dates for the 2025–2026 cycle:

The CLNA is not optional — it's the evidence base your application must reflect. It requires an evaluation of your current CTE programs, student performance data disaggregated by demographics and special populations, access and equity gaps, and alignment with local and regional labor market needs. Districts completing a CLNA year are building the foundation for two application cycles, so it's worth investing time to do it thoroughly.

Allowable uses under Perkins V include equipment and technology for CTE instruction, teacher professional development, curriculum development and program improvement, career guidance and counseling, work-based learning (WBL) coordination, and recruiting and retaining qualified CTE faculty. Funds cannot be used for general operating costs, construction, or activities outside the programs named in your application.

Funding Source #2: K-12 Strong Workforce Program

The K-12 Strong Workforce Program provides $150M per year specifically to expand and improve high school CTE programs that connect to community college career pathways. It is separate from Perkins V and operates through a regional delivery model — districts do not apply directly to CDE.

Instead, each region has a K-14 Technical Assistance Provider (TAP) that manages Strong Workforce funds and coordinates with both K-12 LEAs and community college districts. To access this funding, contact your regional TAP and work through their application or planning process. The goal of the program is seamless CTE pathways from high school into community college and employment — so proposals that demonstrate clear articulation with college-level courses and regional labor market alignment are strongest.

Strong Workforce funds can support things Perkins V sometimes cannot, including instructor industry experience (funding for teachers to gain or maintain current industry credentials), curriculum alignment with community college courses, and WBL coordination for activities that bridge high school and college programs. Real estate, financial services, and insurance are all eligible industry sectors under this program.

For the current regional TAP directory and funding priorities, visit the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office at doingwhatmatters.cccco.edu.

Funding Source #3: Career Technical Education Incentive Grant (CTEIG)

CTEIG is a state competitive grant designed to expand or improve CTE programs at the K-12 level. Unlike formula-based funding, CTEIG requires districts to submit a competitive application to CDE that includes a program narrative and detailed budget. Awards typically range from $50,000 to $500,000 or more, depending on LEA size and program scope.

CDE evaluates applications based on program quality, student need, and alignment with regional labor market data. Priority is given to proposals that develop new programs, serve underserved student populations, or build industry-aligned pathways in high-demand sectors. Districts that have done strong CLNA work are better positioned for CTEIG because the needs assessment evidence directly supports the competitive narrative.

CTEIG grant cycles open and close on CDE's schedule — check cde.ca.gov/ci/ct/pk for current open solicitations and deadlines.

Funding Source #4: LCFF and Local CTE Budgets

The Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) replaced most of California's previous categorical programs and gives districts broad flexibility in how they allocate funds. CTE programs can — and routinely are — funded through LCFF base grants. There is no separate application. Instead, CTE spending should be reflected in the district's Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), which is required annually and must describe how the district plans to achieve state priorities, including a college- and career-ready focus.

Districts that serve high concentrations of English learners, foster youth, or students from low-income families receive LCFF supplemental and concentration grants on top of the base grant. These additional dollars are intended to address the specific needs of those student groups — CTE programs that demonstrably serve these populations and improve career-readiness outcomes are an appropriate use of supplemental and concentration funds. Documenting the connection between CTE enrollment, outcomes, and these student groups in your LCAP strengthens your district's position if funding decisions are ever scrutinized.

Step-by-Step: Applying for Perkins V in California

  1. Confirm your programs are CDE-approved. Only students enrolled in approved CTE programs count toward performance measures and generate Perkins V eligibility. Use the CDE Program Finder at cde.ca.gov to verify current approval status. If a program you want to fund isn't approved, begin that process first.
  2. Complete or update your Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment. The CLNA is required every two years and must be completed before you can submit a compliant Annual Application. It should document your program quality review, student performance data disaggregated by subgroup, equity and access gaps, and labor market alignment findings.
  3. Log into CDE's Consolidated Application and Reporting System (CARS). This is the portal where all California Perkins V applications are submitted. If your district hasn't set up CARS access, contact your CDE program consultant.
  4. Review your district's prior-year allocation to estimate current-year funds. CDE posts allocation tables annually. Your allocation is formula-driven, but reviewing the prior year gives you a reliable planning baseline.
  5. Complete the Annual Application for Funding. The application requires you to identify which programs Perkins funds will support, describe how expenditures address CLNA findings, explain how you'll serve special populations, and set performance targets for federal accountability measures. The application is due June 1, 2026.
  6. Get board approval for the CTE budget before submitting. Perkins-funded expenditures must be consistent with your board-approved budget. Many districts align Perkins budget approval with the broader annual budget cycle in spring.
  7. Track expenditures and submit required performance data by September 30. CDE requires annual performance data reporting for federal accountability. Maintain documentation of expenditures throughout the year — monitoring visits can happen, and good recordkeeping is your best protection.

What California CTE Funds Can — and Can't — Be Spent On

Perkins V allowable uses in California mirror the federal list: equipment and technology for CTE instruction, professional development for CTE teachers and administrators, curriculum development and program improvement, career guidance and counseling, work-based learning coordination (internships, job shadows, apprenticeships), and activities to recruit and retain qualified CTE faculty.

Strong Workforce funds have a somewhat broader scope: they can also support instructor industry experience (helping teachers maintain current industry credentials or gain new field experience), curriculum alignment work connecting high school courses to community college equivalents, and WBL coordination activities that involve community college partners. This makes Strong Workforce particularly useful for programs in sectors like real estate and financial services, where current industry knowledge is critical to program quality.

Cannot be used for: General district operating costs, construction or major renovation, activities not tied to approved CTE programs, or any expenditure not consistent with your submitted application and budget.

$130M+
Distributed to California LEAs annually through Perkins V (Source: U.S. Department of Education OCTAE)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much Perkins V funding does California distribute to districts?

California receives more than $130M in federal Perkins V funding annually — one of the largest state allocations in the country. CDE distributes at least 85% of this directly to LEAs through the Perkins Grant Management System based on a formula that weights student population and poverty data. Your district's specific allocation is posted by CDE each year.

What is the Perkins V application deadline in California?

The Annual Application for Perkins V funding is due June 1 each year. An Intent to Apply is typically due January 31. Applications are submitted through CDE's Consolidated Application and Reporting System (CARS). Completing or updating your Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment must happen before you can submit a compliant application — plan for that work well in advance.

What is the K-12 Strong Workforce Program?

The K-12 Strong Workforce Program is a California state initiative providing $150M per year to expand high school CTE programs that align with community college career pathways. Funds are distributed regionally through K-14 Technical Assistance Providers (TAPs) — districts apply through their regional TAP, not directly to CDE. The program targets seamless CTE pathways from high school into community college and employment.

Can CTE funds pay for a new real estate or financial services program?

Yes — both Perkins V and Strong Workforce funds can support new CTE programs in real estate, financial services, and insurance, provided the program is CDE-approved and included in your Perkins Local Application or Strong Workforce proposal. The K-12 Strong Workforce Program explicitly supports industry-aligned pathways in these sectors. Program approval through CDE is required first.

What happens if my program isn't CDE-approved?

Programs that are not CDE-approved are not eligible for Perkins V or Strong Workforce funding. Students in unapproved courses do not count toward performance accountability measures, and spending Perkins or Strong Workforce funds on unapproved programs could trigger compliance findings during a monitoring visit. CDE program approval is the prerequisite for accessing all major CTE funding streams in California. If you're planning a new program, start the approval process well before your application window opens.

Last updated: April 2026. Sources: California Department of Education (cde.ca.gov/ci/ct/pk), California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office (doingwhatmatters.cccco.edu), U.S. Department of Education OCTAE (cte.ed.gov).

Adding a CTE Program in California?

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