Artificial Intelligence Technology in Career and Technical Education Pathways

The Artificial Intelligence Technology in Career and Technical Education Pathways grant, administered by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), is designed to support the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) applications into state-approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. This initiative reflects New Jersey’s commitment to building an innovation-driven workforce and ensuring that students are equipped with relevant skills for AI-enhanced industries. The grant targets local education agencies (LEAs) serving grades 9–12 that are currently eligible for Perkins funding and actively running approved CTE programs of study. The program is structured as a competitive funding opportunity with a focus on developing AI-integrated curricula, enhancing educator capacity, and fostering business partnerships. The grant supports a single-year program, scheduled to begin on April 1, 2026, and conclude on March 31, 2027. Up to ten districts will each receive awards of up to $25,000, with the total funding pool capped at $250,000. Grantees are expected to develop a minimum of three project-based learning modules per CTE program of study. These modules must incorporate AI technology in practical and industry-relevant ways, promoting both technical skill development and academic rigor. Additionally, grantees must provide professional learning for CTE educators, including training on AI tools, ethical use, and instructional integration. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to aligning their programs with one of New Jersey’s Key Industry Sectors and ensure that proposed modules have clear real-world applications. Strong applications will also include formal partnerships with local businesses that actively support curriculum development, offer mentorship, and contribute to work-based learning. Documentation of these partnerships is required and will be used as part of the evaluation criteria. Applications must be submitted through the Electronic Web-Enabled Grant (EWEG) system by January 22, 2026, no later than 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Submissions must be complete, error-free, and meet all checklist requirements. The EWEG system will not allow late submissions, and technical assistance is available for users encountering access or submission issues. An optional technical assistance session is scheduled for December 9, 2025, via Microsoft Teams. Applications will undergo a two-tiered review process. A panel of three evaluators will assess applications based on need, project design, goals, activity plan, commitment, capacity, and budget. Applications must score at least 70 out of 100 points to be eligible for funding. Additional program review will be conducted by NJDOE staff to ensure alignment with grant intent and requirements. Successful grantees must attend a mandatory orientation, submit periodic reports through EWEG, and comply with fiscal reporting and monitoring requirements. The final report, due by April 15, 2027, must include all deliverables and recommendations for sustainability. This program aims to establish scalable, AI-integrated instructional models that enhance both student and educator outcomes across New Jersey's CTE landscape.

Strong applications show industry alignment, evidence of educator training, and real-world student applications tied to NJ’s key sectors.