CTE and Vocational Programs in Massachusetts
Career and Technical Education programs combine high academic standards and technical training for Massachusetts high school students. State-approved programs are available in forty-four career fields and are designed to connect graduates to entry-level employment.
What are Massachusetts State-Approved CTE programs (also known as Chapter 74 programs)?
Chapter 74-approved vocational technical education programs are programs that meet the definition of vocational technical education contained in Massachusetts General Law Chapter 74. Districts apply for program approval to DESE’s Office for College, Career, and Technical Education (OCCTE) pursuant to Chapter 74 and the Vocational Technical Education Regulations.
Does the local high school offer CTE programs?
In communities where career and technical education is offered within a local high school, the school will inform students and families of the process. Many schools will offer a mix of State-Approved (Chapter 74) and Local Programs.
What is Exploratory?
All schools and districts that offer five or more State-Approved (Chapter 74) classes will provide students with an introductory course called Exploratory. In Exploratory, ninth graders are divided into groups that rotate through a few days or weeks of hands-on experiences in each of the programs offered at the school. The best way to learn more about Exploratory is to contact the school or schools you are interested in directly. To find the schools closest to you, check out Massachusetts School Finder.
Can a student go to college after participating in a Chapter 74 program?
Yes, they can. The combination of academic and technical schoolwork gives graduating students options to begin entry-level work or enroll in college.
Are these CTE programs suitable for a child who is an English Language Learner (ELL)?
Yes, they are. Technical/vocational programs can provide support for English Language Learners.
If my student has an IEP, can he attend a CTE program?
Yes. CTE Schools cannot discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age, ancestry, athletic performance, special need, English language skill, or academic achievement.
Is there a list of state approved CTE programs in Massachusetts?
Yes. Please check the DESE website for the most recent list: https://www.doe.mass.edu/ccte/cvte/cte-families/default.html
What is the Innovation Pathways program in MA?
Innovation Pathways are designed to give students coursework and experience in a specific high-demand industry, such as information technology, engineering, healthcare, life sciences and advanced manufacturing.
My kid just wants to explore college courses and career preparation, is there a program for that?
Early College programs provide students college-level coursework with career exploration. For more information, contact your local high school and ask to speak with someone who can talk to you about career and technical education options.
Applying to a Technical/Vocational School in Massachusetts
My home district has a grade 9 exploratory program; does my child need to complete grade 9 exploratory program in our home district, or can they attend a grade 9 exploratory program in a nearby agricultural-technical school?
No, students who reside in cities and towns that do not maintain an exploratory program may apply for admission to a school in another city, town or district offering an exploratory program. Ninth grade students who reside in cities and towns that offer an approved exploratory program shall attend the exploratory program provided by the district of residence provided however, that students may apply for non-resident admission for the purpose of exploring specialized agriculture and natural resources programs designated by the Commissioner and not available in the student’s district of residence.
We have a rising eighth grader eager to pursue animal science through a high school vocational program. Our district has a vocational school but no animal science program. We would like to check our child’s eligibility for applying to other regional CTE programs. What are our options?
No, students who reside in cities and towns that do not maintain an exploratory program may apply for admission to a school in another city, town or district offering an exploratory program. Ninth grade students who reside in cities and towns that offer an approved exploratory program shall attend the exploratory program provided by the district of residence provided however, that students may apply for non-resident admission for the purpose of exploring specialized agriculture and natural resources programs designated by the Commissioner and not available in the student’s district of residence.
When should I apply for Career and Technical School?
Career and Technical Schools may serve one community, a group of communities, or an entire region. In most cases, students from member school districts must apply during the fall or winter of their eighth-grade year to attend. Local deadlines and requirements will vary and can be found on their websites.
Do students need to apply for a career/vocational technical education program?
Yes, you need to apply to the school in which you are interested in order to be eligible to attend a CTE program.
Can I request language assistance with the application for an ELL student?
Yes, you can request applications and notice of equal education opportunities in the applicant’s native (non-English) language. All schools should help students and families who may need assistance completing application forms.
I do not know how to use a computer. Is there a paper application rather than the digital version?
Yes, the application form should be available in both digital and hard copy formats and should identify clear steps for students and their families to get help from the school if needed to complete an application.
Can students with disabilities apply for the CTE schools/programs?
Yes, students with disabilities are welcome to apply. The application form has a section where students with disabilities can indicate what reasonable accommodations are needed for both admissions and at school.
What’s After Dark (Chapter 74 Partnership) Programs?
Some school districts partner with a nearby Vocational-Technical school to allow students to enroll in technical training during the hours when vocational technical facilities are underutilized. You can contact your local high school for more information.
Chapter 74 Non-Resident Student Tuition Program
We live in a town that is not a “member” school of the regional vocational high school. Can my child attend a vocational high school if they want to?
The Chapter 74 Nonresident Student Tuition Program allows students to attend a school outside of their home school district in order to study at a state-approved CTE program that is not offered by their home district. He can apply as a non-resident student to the program. Every school has its own application and process. Please see the school’s website for details.
To see all of your options, use the Massachusetts School Finder tool. Here you can search based on several filters. Here you can search schools that are “Pathway Programs Only.”
What is the process of applying for the Chapter 74 Non-Resident Student Tuition Program?
Every school has its own application process. Admission is not guaranteed.
You must receive two approvals: The student must be accepted both by the receiving school and their sending district must approve the application for the student’s tuition.
The student could attend at no cost to your family. Transportation is provided by your city or town of residence. Please see the school’s website for details.
When is the deadline to apply for Chapter 74 Non-Resident Student Tuition Program?
The deadline to apply is March 15th.
Do I need to get my home district’s approval for the Chapter 74 Non-Resident program?
Yes, you do. The school district may approve or reject the application for tuition. You should submit a Non-Resident Student Tuition Application form to your home school district by April 1.
If the students is accepted into the receiving school, but the home school district rejects the application, parents have a right to request the decision be reviewed by DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education).
Are families responsible for paying tuition or providing transportation to the non-resident program?
No, students can attend the new school at no cost to your family. Transportation is usually provided by your city or town of residence. Deadlines and requirements for transport vary and can be found on school district websites.
Will my child as a non-resident in the Chapter 74 non-resident tuition program be treated the same as resident students?
Yes, once a non-resident student is admitted through school choice, the school district must treat school-choice students the same as it treats its own students residing in the district.