The Program Quality Initiative (PQI) provides funding to support and improve secondary career technical education (CTE) programs. These grants reward program quality, support continuous improvement and help schools establish new pathway programs.
PQI Incentive Awards
PQI Incentive Awards provide funding to high-performing secondary CTE pathway programs.
Who is eligible
Approved secondary pathway programs in:
- Business and Marketing
- Engineering and Technology
- Family and Consumer Sciences and Human Services
- Health Professions and Public Safety
- Skilled and Technical Sciences (Trades and Industry)
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources programs and career technical centers aren’t eligible.
How funding is determined
Awards are based on student performance, including:
- Participation rates
- Technical Skills Assessment (TSA) results
- Workplace Readiness Assessment (WRA) results
How funds can be used
- Instructional materials
- Equipment
- Professional development
- Program-related services
Important deadlines
- Awards are issued in the fall.
- Expenditure reports are due March 15.
PQI Technical Assistance Grants
PQI Technical Assistance Grants support local education agencies (LEAs) and pathway programs in improving student outcomes and program quality.
Who is eligible
- Local education agencies based on prior-year WRA performance
- Pathway programs based on prior-year TSA performance
Focus areas
- LEA applications: Improve workplace readiness skills across programs.
- Pathway program applications: Improve performance in specific program standards.
How funds can be used
- Instructional materials
- Equipment
- Professional development
Funds can’t be used for salaries, career technical student organization expenses, construction or other unapproved costs.
Important deadlines
- Reimbursement requests are due March 15.
PQI Establishment Grants
PQI Establishment Grants support the development of new CTE pathway programs.
Who is eligible
LEAs with newly approved programs in:
- Business and Marketing
- Engineering and Technology
- Family and Consumer Sciences and Human Services
- Health Professions and Public Safety
- Individualized Occupational Training
- Skilled and Technical Sciences (Trades and Industry)
Programs funded through career technical centers aren’t eligible.
How funds can be used
- Purchase approved, industry-standard equipment
Important deadlines
- Reimbursement requests are due March 15.