Educational Services

The Arkansas Division of Career and Technical Education (DCTE) is offering a one‑year grant to fund Career Coaches who will be co‑located at a college, education cooperative, or nonprofit and provide college‑ and career‑planning services to middle‑ and high‑school students (grades 7‑12) across the state. The grant covers up to half of a full‑time coach’s salary and benefits (maximum $30‑$36 K per coach), plus capped funds for career‑exploration camps, the Arkansas Applied Campaign, technology, and travel. Applicants must be an eligible host institution, submit a detailed program narrative, budget, and three letters of support (host site, school district(s), and a business/community partner). The award period runs July 1 2026 – June 30 2027, with a total funding ceiling contingent on state appropriations. • Eligible applicants: higher‑education institutions, education cooperatives, or non‑profits acting as host sites. • Required deliverables: career‑coach staffing, student tutoring/counseling, career‑exploration activities, reporting on six performance measures (graduation, certifications, work‑based learning, ACT scores, post‑secondary placement, financial‑aid applications). • Funding limits: up to $36 K salary per coach (grant funds ½), $1.5 K for camps, $1.5 K for Applied Campaign, $2 K for technology, $1.5 K travel per coach; district must match salary/benefits. • Key deadlines: Application opens 02/16/2026, technical‑assistance webinar 02/24/2026, submission deadline 03/31/2026 4 PM, award notification 04/14/2026. • Contact: Mary Beck (Career Ready Pathways Coordinator) for questions and technical assistance.