The Career and Technical Act, formerly the Colorado Vocational Act of 1970, CRS 23-8-101, was adopted by the Colorado General Assembly to provide assistance to local school districts operating CTE programs approved by the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education.

Currently, there are approximately 178 secondary school districts that are eligible to participate in the Career and Technical Act program.

The process and disbursement of CTA funds are governed by the SBCCOE Rules and Regulations. Funds are dispersed to eligible districts as a reimbursement based on the previous year's final financial report submitted to CCCS by each district on September 1st. 

CTA reimbursement essentially works like a rebate program to offset the additional operating costs of a CTE classroom as compared to a general education classroom.  Many CTE programs require specialized equipment or lab space to deliver, which results in higher costs than the standard per pupil revenue on which districts operate.  The reimbursement districts are eligible for based on the costs of their instruction, operating expenses, contracts for the provision of CTE services, and student full-time equivalencies are proportionately divided based on the level at which the program is funded by the state legislature annually.  Currently, CTA is funded at approximately $31 million each year.  Costs of secondary  CTE programming of more than $ 130 million are submitted annually.

State Law

Career and Technical Act (CTA)

Governance

SBCCOE rules

For Public Comment:

For Public Comment – DRAFT of CTA Board Rule Updates

The Colorado Community College System under the direction of the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education administers Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in Colorado, including administration of state funds for CTE programs via the Career and Technical Act of 1970 (CTA). The Board Rules (8 CCR 1504-2) governing the implementation of that program have not been updated since 2013 and much has changed in both federal and state statute and regulation in that time.

This spring, the CTA Board Rules are being opened for updates in the key areas listed below and you are invited to review and provide feedback during this process.  The document includes all proposed mark-ups.

  • Updates to federal capitalization thresholds for equipment are recognized.
  • Updates resulting from changes to CTE credentialing processes and guidance over time are reflected in the proposed rules.  For example, since 2013, a work-based learning credential has been added and Colorado has changed some policies related to teacher licensing requirements.
  • The proposed rules include expanded language and clarifications about Designated Career and Technical Education schools.
  • Changes to the proposed documentation standards and auditing and review process for CTA submissions by districts are included.
  • Modifications to organizational names and titles.

Open Forums will be held virtually to solicit feedback on:

No sign up required.

You may also submit comments or feedback by March 20,2026 via this form or via email to CTE@cccs.edu. A public hearing related to these rules will occur on April 8, 2026 at the SBCCOE meeting.