Description
The FY27 Credentials to Careers Grant supports Iowa public school districts in aligning Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways with industry‑recognized credentials (IRC). Funding is tiered based on the labor‑market value of the credential, with maximum awards of $50,000 for Tier 3, $45,000 for Tier 2, and $15,000 for Tier 1. Applications must be submitted separately for each IRC, and districts must demonstrate how the grant will be used for allowable expenses such as equipment, software, professional development, and student assessment fees. The grant period runs from July 1 2026 to June 30 2027, and the program is recurring annually.
• Separate application required for each eligible IRC on the state‑approved list.
• Funding covers hardware, software, instructional equipment, professional development, and student assessment costs.
• Award amounts are tier‑based (up to $50K) and tied to high‑skill, high‑wage, high‑demand occupations.
• Districts must not have received an IRC grant previously.
• Submission deadline is June 12 2026, with the posting date May 8 2026.