This summer, a new Department of Education “challenge” initiative aims to engage the next generation of learners to explore paths to green careers, while the National Science Foundation announced a new postsecondary funding opportunity.
Department of Education Launches “Power Your Future” CTE Challenge
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) launched the CTE Momentum “Power Your Future” challenge. This initiative encourages high school learners to submit “innovation action plans” to advance the use of clean energy in their schools and communities. Through this challenge, ED also hopes these efforts will lead high school learners to consider careers in green technology and innovation. A wide range of stakeholders, including state and local education agencies, area career technical centers, postsecondary institutions and others connected to the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act are encouraged to support team applications for funding from this challenge. An upcoming informational webinar is set to take place on September 10 with applications due by November 19, 2024. Read more about the effort here.
Department of Education Congratulates Career Z Finalists
Earlier this month, ED announced the Phase 3 Finalists and Phase 2 Completers for its Career Z Challenge. Sponsored by ED in support of the Biden-Harris administration’s Raise the Bar: Unlocking Career Success initiative, the Career Z Challenge is an open innovation prize competition to support high school learner access to high-quality work based learning opportunities. The Department recently congratulated the Phase 2 and 3 completers, inviting these schools, districts, and partnerships to share ideas to engage young learners through cross-sector collaboration.
National Science Foundation Announces New Funding Opportunity
The U.S. National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program has opened the application period for eligible postsecondary institutions to support the education of technicians in high-technology fields. The program involves collaboration among both secondary and postsecondary academic institutions, industry, and economic development agencies to improve the talent pipeline of science and engineering technicians. ATE program funds can support curriculum development, professional development for secondary and postsecondary educators, career pathway development, and other relevant activities. Applications for this funding, including further eligibility information, can be accessed through NSF’s funding page and are due Thursday, October 3, 2024
Rob Young, Communications & Advocacy Associate
Steve Voytek, Policy Advisor