Each state that receives Perkins funds is permitted to reserve a small portion of the funds distributed (15%) for special purposes that align with the law. Colorado utilizes 5% of funds distributed to increase the grant awards for rural recipients. The other 10% are distributed through a competitive process for innovative projects that align to Colorado's strategic plan for CTE and State Perkins plan.
Annually in mid-March, the call for proposals for the Innovations in CTE grant is opened and eligible entities are encouraged to submit projects of up to $250,000 for consideration. Between May 15 and June 30 each year, proposals are reviewed, selected, and awarded for implementation beginning approximately July 1. Questions about this grant process may be emailed to cte@cccs.edu and additional resources are below. Note that the call for proposals is not generally changed significantly from year to year and the most recent posted version may be used to begin outlining a future project.
- Perkins Innovation Grants Overview
- Innovations in CTE Grant Application Call For Proposals 2027
- Innovations in CTE Grant Budget Template
- Link to April 2021 Open Forum recording about Innovation Projects (hear from a variety of current grant recipients)
- Password: 1GreatIdea!
Fiscal Year 2027 Innovation Grant Projects
| Recipient | Project | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Douglas County School District | Expanding Equitable Healthcare Pathways through Immersive Simulation Technology | $250,000.00 |
| Durango 9-R School District | Creative Pathways Forward: Leveraging the Sundance Film Festival to Expand Rural Colorado CTE | $250,000.00 |
| Front Range Community College | Addressing Emerging Industry Advancements at Front Range Community College through Hand and Robotic Laser Welding Training Implementation | $250,000.00 |
| Harrison 2 School District | Future Ready Health Care Pathways Initiatives: Expanding Healthcare CTE Access through Anatomage Table Technology | $106,000.00 |
| La Veta School District | Pathways to Care: A Rural Healthcare CTE Model for South Central Colorado | $205,000.00 |
| Littleton 6 School District | LHS Innovation Lab: Creating School-Based Enterprise Through Advanced Production | $86,000.00 |
| Red Rocks Community College | Skilled Trades Competencies through a Skills-First Approach | $250,000.00 |
| Sargent School District | San Luis Valley Aviation & Aerospace Innovation Hub | $200,000.00 |
| San Juan BOCES | The UDL Catalyst: Elevating Academic Outcomes and Inclusive Excellence in Southwest Colorado CTE | $184,000.00 |
| Technical College of the Rockies | TCR Mobile Barber Lab: Expanding Rural Access to Barbering Education and Community Services | $60,000.00 |
| Woodlin School District | Range/Pasture Management and Training & Curriculum Grant for Colorado Schools | $142,000.00 |