PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee, Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) today announced the awarding of over $2 million in competitive grants to expand access to high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs aligned with high-skill, high-growth industries of the future. The grants are part of RIDE’s CTE for All initiative which proposes to expand access to high-quality, exciting workforce training programs in emerging and high-demand fields where no active CTE programs currently exist. This announcement comes as Governor McKee and Commissioner Infante-Green lead the statewide Math Matters RI campaign to promote math education.

“From marine science to green construction and aviation, CTE for All grant funding will help Rhode Island students explore exciting career opportunities and help them graduate ready to thrive,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I congratulate all the winners and look forward to visiting these exciting programs.”

“Our CTE for All investments underscore RIDE’s commitment to ensuring every Rhode Island student has access to engaging, future-ready career pathways that set them up for long-term success,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “Since 2019, Rhode Island has expanded CTE programming by more than 30% and we want to continue to grow to meet student and family interest. We are proud to partner with our LEAs and industry leaders to deliver innovative, hands-on programs that will prepare students to succeed in the 21^st century economy.”

“Career and technical education opportunities provide students with the experiences they need to lead a successful career,” said Board of Education Chair Michael Grey. “The CTE for All grants will open up doors to all students who are interested in gaining hands-on skills and will equip them for the future. I look forward to seeing the excellent work these students are able to complete with this new funding.”

“High-quality instruction is especially important when it comes to career and technical education,” said Chair of the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education Patti DiCenso. “These programs allow students to get their feet wet in increasingly in-demand industries. Congratulations to all of the grant recipients who will now be able to continue expanding access to real-world opportunities in and out of the classroom.”

Out of 16 applications submitted by local education agencies (LEAs) and consortia across the state, nine programs were awarded funding. Grant winners include:

• Foster-Glocester – CTE Greenovation Lab ($472,151): A state-of-the-art facility focusing on green construction careers.
• Providence Public Schools’ Juanita Sanchez Education Complex (JSEC), MRI Technician Program ($435,710): Will prepare students for careers in medical imaging, serving students in partnership with Brown Health and Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI).
• Westerly/Lincoln Aviation Program ($408,719): Offers pathways to become licensed private or unmanned aircraft pilots.
• The MET – Veterinary Careers ($250,000): Will prepares students for certification as veterinary assistants/technicians.
• Narragansett – Marine Seafood and Tourism ($250,000): Will equip students with the skills and certifications to support Rhode Island’s Blue Economy.
• Warwick – Environmental Science and Energy ($61,420): Will focus on clean energy and environmental consulting pathways.
• Cranston-led Consortium ($57,500): Planning grant to develop regional Radiology and Respiratory Therapy programs across 13 LEAs.
• Central Falls – Interpretation and Translation ($42,500): Will train students for careers in multilingual communication across critical service sectors.
• Providence Public Schools’ Hope High School – Production Design ($22,000): Will introduce students to technical production, A/V management, and event design.

Each CTE For All program is backed by robust partnerships with institutions such as Brown University, CCRI, New England Institute of Technology, University of Rhode Island, and a wide range of employers, nonprofits, and industry groups.