1. (1) An LEA receiving a grant shall utilize funds to plan for, create, establish, enhance, or expand profession-based learning programs that:

   1. (a) provide learning experiences and instruction that:

      1. (i) replicates professional environments and workplace practices;
      2. (ii) builds leadership skills;
      3. (iii) builds durable professional skills;
      4. (iv) allows students to advance as they demonstrate proficiency through well-defined metrics;
      5. (v) utilizes student projects that address the specific needs or objectives of industry partners;
      6. (vi) incorporates industry-standard tools, technologies, and methods;
      7. (vii) provides opportunities for students to develop a product or presentation that is shared with an audience; and
      8. (viii) facilitates mentorship by industry professionals to guide and evaluate the student's work;
   2. (b) align programming with labor market needs and local industry demands;

   3. (c) establish or enhance partnerships with:

      1. (i) local industries and employers to ensure workforce relevance; or
      2. (ii) as determined by the LEA, technical colleges, degree-granting institutions, or other postsecondary entities to support postsecondary transitions for students;
   4. (d) address gaps in regional workforce training or opportunities;

   5. (e) incorporate:

      1. (i) career and technical student organizations as the LEA determines relevant;
      2. (ii) advisory boards with representation from local industries and workforce experts;
      3. (iii) professional learning opportunities for instructors to improve workforce-focused skills; and
      4. (iv) strategies for using labor market data to refine and improve program offerings;
   6. (f) is tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of the local student body, community, and industry partners; and
   7. (g) align with CTE Quality Standards.
2. (2) LEAs or LEA consortiums shall use any equipment or capital purchased with awarded funds for the purposes outlined in the application.
3. (3) If the award includes a portion of the grant as a lump sum payment, the LEA shall work with the Superintendent to establish a payment timeline requiring milestones and documentation;
4. (4) Catalyst centers may be collocated on the campus of an institution of higher education with an agreement between the LEA and the institution of higher education.

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