Solicitation: 202604071 Maine Career Pathways Pilot

The Maine Department of Education is issuing a one‑time Request for Applications (RFA) to fund pilot projects that implement the Maine Career Pathways (MCP) framework. The pilot supports up to three pathway areas—Early Childhood Education, Infrastructure/Trades, and Healthcare—by providing advising, post‑secondary credit, work‑based learning, and credentialing for secondary‑school students and adult learners. Awards can be up to $250,000 each (total pool $500,000) and must cover personnel, transportation, technology devices, stipends, and six post‑secondary credits per participant. Projects start on August 1, 2026 and run through June 30, 2028, with quarterly reporting and a final deliverable. • Eligibility: public schools, CTE centers, RSUs, adult‑education programs, or nonprofit Pre‑K partners (must act as lead applicant). • Scope of work: recruit participants, coordinate with industry partners or apprenticeships, provide advising, manage WBL placements, track outcomes, and submit financial/technical reports. • Submission: all materials must be uploaded to the Vendor Self‑Service (VSS) system by June 1, 2026 4 PM EDT; questions due May 13, 2026. • Funding: up to $250 k per award, no indirect costs, with allowable expenses limited to personnel, transportation, technology, stipends, and post‑secondary credits. • Evaluation: scored on qualifications (10 pts), project design (55 pts), Maine Apprenticeship Program participation (10 pts), and budget (25 pts).