ACTE has analyzed the recently signed FY 2026 appropriations bill and found that 159 CTE-related projects are slated to receive over $209 million in funding through earmarks. These provisions in federal appropriations bills direct funding to educational institutions, nonprofits, state government agencies and other partners for specific projects. Members of Congress request funding based on submissions from their state or district.
The FY26 budget bill allocates the following for CTE-related projects:
- Department of Education’s Higher Education Account: $139,430,000
- Department of Education’s Innovation and Improvement Account: $20,508,000
- Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration Account: $49,349,000
Of the 37 states that received earmarked funding for CTE-related projects, Mississippi received the most funding ($16 million) while Michigan and Maryland had the greatest number of funded projects (10 each). Projects that received funding include:
- $6.5 million for East Carolina University’s biomanufacturing education programs, including equipment purchases
- $5.3 million for Mississippi State University to expand a workforce training program in skilled manufacturing
- $2.5 million for Central Vermont Career Center School District, on behalf of the Vermont Association of Career and Technical Directors, to expand and enhance CTE programs
- $1.5 million for Northwest Maritime in Washington to develop a maritime workforce pilot program for high school students to develop workforce-ready skills and competencies
- $1 million for Hall County School District in Georgia to develop a career pathway program in meat processing
When examined by Career Cluster, the Supply Chain & Transportation Cluster received the most funding ($39.8 million, 25 projects), followed by Healthcare & Human Services ($35.2 million, 24 projects) and Advanced Manufacturing ($23.1 million, nine projects).
Practitioners can use this spreadsheet to examine the specific projects tracked and filter by state, Cluster and project cost. You may also view all the earmarks here. If you have any questions, please reach out to ACTE’s Research and Policy Coordinator Jesus Galvan.
