Existing law establishes the California Career Technical Education Incentive Grant (CTEIG) Program. The California Department of Education awards CTEIG grants to career technical education programs that meet certain minimum eligibility standards.
Effective June 1, 2026, SB 638 revises the minimum eligibility standards for receipt of a CTEIG grant. Grant applicants must satisfy updated standards related to (A) collaborating with labor and business entities, (B) ensuring career programs and career pathways are aligned with workforce needs and labor market demand, (C) providing opportunities for certain pupil populations, and (D) reporting information for purposes of program evaluation. The bill also requires successful grant applicants to demonstrate a holistic approach to providing career technical education and career pathways, including, but not limited to, demonstrating involvement of employers and providing wraparound services for students.
Existing law requires the Department of Education to give positive consideration to grant applicants located in an area with a high unemployment rate (previously undefined). SB 638 additionally requires positive consideration for an applicant located in an area with a high poverty rate. The bill defines a high unemployment rate and a high poverty rate.
The bill requires the Department of Education to consult with the California Education Interagency Council (established by AB 1098) rather than the Chancellor’s Office for CTEIG grant application development and review.
(SB 638 amends Sections 53070, 53070.1, 53071, 53072, 53074, 53075 of the Education Code and adds Sections 11906, 11907, 11908 to the Government Code.)