On Sept. 30, 2026, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) announced the 4th annual opportunity for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) with approved career and technical education (CTE) programs of study to participate in the CTE Scholar Awards program that recognizes outstanding CTE students throughout New Jersey.

P.L.2023, c.47 established an annual recognition of student achievements to highlight the importance of CTE to meet the needs of business and industry for high-skill and trained workers. Four criteria are outlined in the legislation for recognition:

  1. Demonstrate a high level of achievement in a CTE program of study as exemplified by course grades, industry-recognized technical assessments, and teacher recommendations.
  2. Demonstrate a high level of achievement in at least three academic classes, as exemplified by course grades, end-of-course assessments, and teacher recommendations.
  3. Successfully complete a college-level course or a work-based learning (WBL) experience including, but not limited to, employment under a cooperative education agreement, an internship, or a work-based structured learning experience.
  4. Participate in a career and technical student organization (CTSO) or a community service project that demonstrates the application of career and technical skills.

The NJDOE has developed several resources to support LEAs with planning and preparing for the 2026-2027 school year, such as district evaluation of student eligibility for meeting the criteria, the application submission process, and the award program timeline. All resources and additional information can be found on the CTE Scholar Award Program webpage.

As part of CTE Month in February 2027, celebrating the value of CTE programs across the country, the application will become available for district submission.

Send questions about the CTE Scholar Awards program to CTEScholarAwardProgram@doe.nj.gov.