1. (1) An LEA or LEA consortium may annually apply for grant funding beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.
2. (2) An LEA or LEA consortium may not apply for an additional grant that would overlap with an existing award.

3. (3) An LEA shall apply for a grant by submitting an application to the state board that includes:

   1. (a) a general plan, including a proposed timeline for the project;
   2. (b) a detailed budget, identifying proposed expenditures and any matching funds used for the project;
   3. (c) justification for any capital expenditures, including plans for building use, cost analyses, and estimates;
   4. (d) a description of how the grant will be used to improve student outcomes;
   5. (e) a description of the well-defined metrics that will be used to establish and measure student proficiency;
   6. (f) evidence of any existing partnerships with industry, including letters of collaboration;
   7. (g) evidence of alignment with the LEA's strategic plan;

   8. (h) evidence of alignment with local labor market and industry needs;

      1. (i) an explanation of how awarded funds will be used within the defined performance period without unnecessary carryforward;
   9. (j) as applicable, a description of how the catalyst center programming will align with or enhance programs funded by the weighted pupil unit add-on described in Section 53F-2-311;

   10. (k) for applications submitted by a consortium of LEAs, a description of:

       1. (i) which LEA will be the fiscal agent;
       2. (ii) how the catalyst center will serve students across the consortium;
       3. (iii) how costs and resources will be shared; and
       4. (iv) how economies of scale will be achieved;
       5. (l) a description of any proposed planning activities, including expected timelines and outcomes;
   11. (m) evidence of collaboration with the LEA CTE Director; and

   12. (n) if applicable, an explanation of the LEA's process for employing an individual with industry experience as an educator who is not a licensed teacher through Subsection 53E-6-204(3), including how the LEA will:

       1. (i) determine and verify the individual's industry expertise; and
       2. (ii) provide any required training to the individual before or during the teaching assignment.
4. (4) Grant funding shall not be used for the unwarranted duplication of existing resources, including physical assets and programmatic offerings, provided by other state or local entities.
5. (5) To maximize resources and impact, LEAs may apply for funding as a consortium.

KEY: catalyst center, grant program, career readiness, workforce development, profession-based learning

Date of Last Change: January 7, 2026

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: Art X Sec 3; 53E-3-401(4); 53E-3-507.1; 53F-9-204