The Department of Education is now accepting applications for the 2017 Workforce Education Grants. This is your chance to make transformative changes in your career and technical education programs. Here are some things to ask if your school is considering applying:

• What have you always wanted to make happen in your career and technical education programs?
• What kind of career guidance programs have you hoped to create?
• In what ways could your current programs be revised to align with today’s high-tech, knowledge-based industries?
• What partnerships have you wanted to establish or grow, but haven’t had the resources to dedicate to the effort?
• What kinds of work-based learning experiences have you hoped to incorporate in your students’ education?
• In what ways have you wanted to customize students’ educational experiences?
• What would it take to blur the lines between academic learning and career preparation?

Resources for the 2017 Workforce Education Grants are available on the Department of Education website. Applications are due Nov. 21. Awards will be announced by Dec. 21, and projects can start in January 2017.

“Office hours” conference calls with Department of Education Career and Technical Education staff will be held on the dates and times listed below. Educators are welcome to connect at any time during these calls to ask questions about the grants and discuss project ideas.

• Wednesday, Nov. 2, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. CDT
  • Connect via Skype or call 1-866-410-8397 (conference code: 7708795296)
• Friday, Nov. 18, 9:30 – 11 a.m. CST
  • Connect via Skype or call 1-866-410-8397 (conference code: 7708795296)