LEAs Operating CTE Programs Encouraged to Participate in Scholar Award Program

As part of CTE Month celebrating the value of career and technical education programs across the country, the New Jersey Department of Education announced the CTE Scholar Award Program, which recognizes outstanding CTE students throughout New Jersey.

The program, created by P.L. 2023,c.47,  recognizes student achievements to highlight the importance of CTE in meeting the needs of business and industry for highly skilled and trained workers. Local educational agencies operating an approved CTE program of study are eligible to participate in this program.

The NJDOE, in consultation with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, has developed holistic criteria to recognize outstanding CTE students. There are four criteria outlined in the legislation:

1. Demonstration of a high level of achievement in a CTE program as exemplified by course grades, industry-recognized technical assessments and teacher recommendations.
2. Demonstration of a high level of achievement in at least three academic classes, as exemplified by course grades, end-of-course assessments and teacher recommendations.
3. Successful completion of a college-level course or a work-based learning experience including, but not limited to, employment under a cooperative education agreement, an internship, or a work-based structured learning experience.
4. Participation in a career and technical student organization or a community service project that demonstrates the application of career and technical skills.

The CTE Scholar Awards Program timeline is as follows:

• Feb. 7, 2024 – Application window open for submission.
• Feb. 21 and 22, 2024 – Information sessions.
• March 29, 2024 – Application due date.
• May 2024 – Recognition of CTE Scholar Award recipients.

The NJDOE has developed several resources to support LEAs with the submission process. All resources and additional information can be found at the CTE Scholarship Award Program webpage.

Please register for information sessions, highlighting the evaluation of student eligibility for meeting criteria, submission of the application, and the award recognition process registration through the NJDOE Calendar of Events by the registration due date indicated below.

Contact Information

Please send questions about the CTE Scholar Award Program via email.