This bi-weekly newsletter is designed to keep you informed and connected, providing important updates, timely reminders, and valuable resources for our Career and Technical Education (CTE) community. Should you have any questions or need further assistance, please reach out to your Delaware CTE liaison. Thank you for staying engaged with Delaware CTE!
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Education Associate, Agriscience, Technology, and CTE Program Quality Lead
The Delaware Department of Education seeks an Education Associate for Agriscience, Technology, and CTE Program Quality. This leader will oversee CTE program design, implementation, and evaluation, support teachers and students, and manage Delaware FFA. Responsibilities include advancing equity, environmental literacy, and workforce alignment across CTE programs. Experience in CTE, project management, and stakeholder engagement preferred. Join us in shaping Delaware’s education-to-career pipeline.
Delaware Releases 2025–2027 Teacher Shortage Areas
The Delaware Department of Education has identified critical teacher shortage areas for the 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 school years. These areas impact eligibility for Delaware Higher Education Office (DHEO) financial aid programs, including scholarships, loan repayment, and tuition reimbursement. The official list will be posted in August. Questions? Contact dheo@doe.k12.de.us.
Supreme Court Clears the Way for Perkins Move from ED to Labor
On July 14, the Supreme Court ruled that the U.S. Department of Education (ED) may proceed with a reduction in force affecting approximately 1,400 employees. As a result, the interagency agreement previously signed by ED and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)—which transfers the administration of Perkins and WIOA Title II adult education and literacy programs to DOL—may also move forward.
Department of Education (ED) Announces New Guidance on Using Federal Funds for Undocumented Students
On July 10, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) issued a notice of interpretation regarding the use of federal funds to serve undocumented immigrants. The notice states that many postsecondary education programs—including those funded by Perkins V—are considered federal public benefits under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act. As such, they are subject to citizenship and immigration status verification requirements under that law.
Delaware TSA Students Earn National Honors at 2025 Conference
Delaware’s Technology Student Association delegation proudly highlighted the First State’s workforce and STEM talent pipeline at the 2025 National TSA Conference in Nashville. Supported by the Department of Education’s CTE/STEM Office, 160 students from 17 schools competed with nearly 10,000 peers in more than 65 STEM events, and earning several Top Ten national finishes. Their success demonstrates Delaware’s commitment to hands-on learning, leadership, and growing a skilled workforce. For more information contact Mike Fitzgerald at mike.fitzgerald@doe.k12.de.us.
The annual report outlines growth in Delaware’s career and technical education programs, highlights strategic partnerships, addresses funding mechanisms, evaluates statewide program effectiveness, and offers recommendations to enhance student credentials and workforce alignment. The report shares DACCTE’s role in advising policymakers and supporting educators to better prepare students for careers. For more information, contact Executive Director Chris Stahl at DACCTE@delaware.gov.
Postsecondary CTE Innovation Grant Applications Open
The Delaware Department of Education’s Office of CTE/STEM invites eligible Postsecondary recipients to apply for competitive Innovation Grants funded through Perkins V Reserve Funds. Awards support improving and expanding CTE programs of study and initiatives aligned with state priorities, including postsecondary student success, POS updates, Credit for Prior Learning, data systems, career counseling, apprenticeships, and other innovative CTE initiatives. Applications are due September 4, 2025. Contact Dr. Orrin White Orrin.White@doe.k12.de.us for questions.
Federal FY25 Perkins Funds for Delaware Fully Allocated
Delaware CTE has received its final allocation of federal FY25 Perkins funds, ensuring full funding for this fiscal year. The state fiscal year runs July 1–June 30, while the federal fiscal year runs October 1–September 30. Delaware is now in state FY26, while ED remains in FY25 until October 1. More information is available in the Advance CTE update.
Guidance from the Office of CTE/STEM: FY26 Budget and CGA
Federal FY26 budget discussions have begun, and there are no changes to the Perkins funding plan or state CTE budget shared at recent Cadre meetings — current planning remains on track. Final federal budget action likely will not occur before October 1, so a continuing resolution or government shutdown is possible. Please follow the attached Delaware Department of Education guidance to complete your FY26 Consolidated Grant Application. Feel free to contact any of the Education Associates in Office of CTE/STEM Initiatives with any questions.
Early discussions on the federal FY26 budget have started. No changes are expected to Delaware CTE’s current plans shared at recent Cadre meetings. Local and state planning efforts remain on track. There is a possibility that the federal budget may not be finalized before October 1, which could result in a continuing resolution or federal government shutdown this fall. Additional updates will be shared. Questions contact Dr. Jon Wickert at Jonathan.Wickert@doe.k12.de.us.
The 1st annual report of Delaware CTE highlights statewide enrollment and student performance data from SY2022-23 across both secondary and postsecondary programs. The report is designed to promote alignment, provide transparency, strengthen program access and quality, and support data-informed decision-making across partners. It also serves as a tool to guide continuous improvement of CTE in Delaware. We invite you to review the report and share your feedback using the Feedback Survey. Responses are due by July 15, 2025, so we can incorporate your input into the SY2023–2024 Annual Report. For more information, contact Dr. Jon Wickert at Jonathan.Wickert@doe.k12.de.us.
All-New Edition! Delaware’s "Safety First" Manual Is Fully Updated!
The Delaware Department of Education has published a revised Safety First manual to promote safer instruction across classrooms and labs. Developed by the Offices of Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development and CTE & STEM Initiatives, the guide offers research-based safety protocols for hands-on learning environments in science, CTE, and more. The manual is available to all Delaware schools. For more information, contact Carrie Evick at carrie.evick@doe.k12.de.us or Mike Fitzgerald at mike.fitzgerald@doe.k12.de.us.
As Delaware educators in an EbD Consortium state, you gain free access to the complete PreK–12 Engineering byDesign essential‑learning curriculum—no cost for public and charter teachers. Log in, complete the access form and access via Google Drive. Optional LMS access (interactive version) is available by request. You’re also eligible for professional learning workshops, expert consulting, and support aligned with ITEEA standards. For more information contact Mike Fitzgerald at mike.fitzgerald@doe.k12.de.us.
New! State Model Delaware CTE Pathways Guidance Resources
Now available from the Office of Career and Technical Education (CTE), this toolkit supports educators, guidance professionals, and partners in promoting Delaware Pathways. Accessible directly on the Delaware Pathways website, these resources include official logos, guidelines, editable flyers, and Program of Study overviews. Use these resources to engage students and families in meaningful career exploration. For questions, contact Mike Fitzgerald at mike.fitzgerald@doe.k12.de.us.
DDOE CTE Professional Learning and CTSO Calendar for 2025-26 document outlines key professional development opportunities, conferences, and events for Delaware CTE educators and students. It includes workshops, summer institutes, leadership events, CTSO state and national conferences, and specialized trainings focused on literacy, math, and work-based learning. The document supports educators in aligning CTE programs with workforce needs and enhancing student success through high-quality learning experiences. Should you have any questions, please contact your DOE CTE program manager for assistance.
Delaware Student Success, powered by the Delaware Higher Education Office under the Department of Education, guides students and families through every step of academic planning from grades 7–12 and beyond. It offers checklists, career‑exploration tools, college identification, financial‑aid resources (including the Scholarship Compendium), webinars, and Spanish and Haitian Creole support, equipping learners for postsecondary success through planning, informed decisions, and access to educational opportunities. For additional information, educators may send questions to Dheo@doe.k12.de.us
The Critical Needs Reimbursement Program supports Delaware educators teaching on an emergency certificate in designated shortage areas by offering tuition reimbursement for eligible coursework. The updated list of critical needs applies to courses taken between Summer 2025 through Spring 2027. This initiative helps educators gain required credentials while reducing financial burden. For additional information, educators may send questions to Dheo@doe.k12.de.us
High Needs Educator Student Loan Repayment Program
The High Needs Educator Student Loan Repayment Program offers annual payments toward eligible student loans for educators who hold a standard Delaware teaching certificate and teach full-time in a designated shortage area. Eligible educators may receive one award per year to help reduce their outstanding loan balance. For additional information, educators may send questions to Dheo@doe.k12.de.us.
Get ready, CTE students! The U.S. Department of Education’s Your AI Horizons Challenge launches this August. As part of the CTE Momentum series, this exciting opportunity invites you to explore how artificial intelligence can shape the future of careers across every industry. Don’t miss out. Subscribe to the CTE Momentum newsletter today to stay informed and be first to know when the challenge goes live!
Delaware State University offers a four‑year, full‑tuition Inspire Scholarship to qualified Delaware high school graduates enrolling full‑time in the fall immediately after graduation. Applicants must meet a minimum 2.75 GPA, submit SAT/ACT scores and FAFSA, and maintain good conduct. Recipients must sustain full-time enrollment (12+ credits each semester), uphold a 2.75 GPA, complete 10 service hours per semester, re-file the FAFSA annually, and continue meeting conduct standard. For additional information, educators may send questions to Dheo@doe.k12.de.us
The Delaware Scholarship Compendium is a comprehensive, user-friendly resource created by the Delaware Higher Education Office to help Delaware students and families explore and apply for national and local scholarships. It serves as a central guide to diverse funding opportunities from private and public organizations, making college more accessible by showcasing a wide variety of awards tailored for in‑state learners. For additional information, educators may send questions to Dheo@doe.k12.de.us
The SEED (Student Excellence Equals Degree) Scholarship at Delaware Tech provides free tuition for Delaware residents pursuing associate degrees, diplomas, credit certificates, bachelor’s degrees, or workforce‑training credentials. Established in 2005 and expanded in 2021 to include all ages, it covers tuition for up to 10 semesters, with part‑time study and approved breaks allowed. Fees and books are excluded. Eligibility hinges on residency, FAFSA completion, and GPA or residency documentation. For additional information, educators may send questions to Dheo@doe.k12.de.us
The SEED (Student Excellence Equals Degree) Scholarship funds up to 10 semesters of tuition for eligible Delaware residents enrolled in UD’s Associate in Arts Program (Flex Pathway), including up to one academic year toward a bachelor’s degree after earning an associate. Recipients must be in-state, complete the FAFSA, maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, and may attend part-time or pause with approved breaks. No separate application required. For additional information, educators may send questions to Dheo@doe.k12.de.us
The Delaware Educator Support Scholarships offers financial assistance for undergraduate and graduate programs leading to teacher certification in designated shortage areas. Please note that not all programs will qualify. The official list of eligible certification areas will be available on the DHEO website in August. Applications for the 2026–2027 school year will be accepted from December 2025 through May 2026. For additional information, educators may send questions to Dheo@doe.k12.de.us
Project ExCITE II for AP Computer Science Principles
Project ExCITE II, led by ITEEA with Hofstra and NC State, prepares high school Technology & Engineering teachers in DE, GA, ID, KY, LA, MA, MN, NC, ND, NJ, and PA to deliver an enhanced AP Computer Science Principles course with robotics. Teachers get training, $2,000, robotics kits, travel reimbursement, and CEUs. Apply now to bring AP-CSP byDesign to your classroom
CTE New Teacher Summer Institute - August 5-6, 2025
CTE teachers are invited to the New Teacher Summer Institute on August 5-6! Join us for a full day of onboarding on August 5 and breakout sessions on August 6. To participate please complete the New Teacher Orientation form https://forms.office.com/r/tJNSdNPMvH and register in PDMS Course: 43535, Section: 89132 to launch your CTE journey with tools, resources, and support for success! For questions contact Michael.Hill-Shaner@doe.k12.de.us.
Join DACCTE’s Council meeting at 5 -7 pm, offered in Kent County and virtually. Educators, administrators, and counselors can earn professional development hours while exploring key career and technical education topics. Connect with Council members, share ideas, and take part in discussions that go beyond a typical school visit, supporting DACCTE’s mission to promote professional growth and statewide collaboration. Sign up in PDMS Course #43675, Section #89554. For more information, contact Ann Breeding at ann.breeding@delaware.gov..
October 10th Professional Learning: “STEM ConnectED Day”
Connecting Delaware Educators and Innovation, this FREE Professional Development opportunity offers exclusive access and behind-the-scenes tours of leading statewide STEM companies. Experience STEM in action! Witness cutting-edge technologies and innovative practices in STEM fields. Gain insights into current industry trends that can enhance your teaching. Develop ideas to improve your classroom. Empower your students through the new connections you make. Presented by Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education (DFSME).
Save the Date for "Fall Statewide CTE PD Day" - Oct 10
Save the date for the Statewide CTE Professional Development Day on October 10, 2025, at the Delaware State Fire School. The tentative schedule includes general sessions, workshops, and Program of Study (POS) time. More details will be shared soon!
Equity in Career & Technical Education (CTE) requires an inclusive environment that advances empowerment and belonging for both the learner and educator. Students’ circumstances and personal/social identifiers shall not restrict their access to the full variety of academic and career opportunities, enriching experiences, and meaningful relationships that support attainment of their individual career and life goals.
Delaware Department of Education - Pathways Program, 401 Federal Street, Suite 2, Dover, DE 19901
