CareerTech board approves $1.59 million in K–12 lottery grants

Corey Gray, agency grants staff, told the board the FY26 K–12 lottery cycle drew a record number of applications (about 328) and that the board package before members lists 87 awardees. The program increased the typical K–12 award from $15,000 to a maximum of $20,000 this cycle to account for inflation and higher equipment costs. Gray said total awards for this cycle amount to $1,593,551.90.

Gray explained the application rubric: reviewers scored requests by item, program numbers, timely reporting, and engagement with career-technical student organizations; reviewers were CareerTech employees from the agency office (not divisional staff) to preserve impartiality. Members questioned timing; Gray said, if approved today, schools could begin spending on Dec. 1 and must have invoices submitted to the agency by March 30 so items arrive this school year.

A board member moved to approve the K–12 lottery awards and a roll-call vote followed. The board approved the motion.

The board packet includes a list of awardees and requested items (examples included cameras and accessories for an advanced design class at one district). Staff said some schools requested amounts under the $20,000 cap and awards were set to the requested amounts when appropriate.