The Native American Career and Technical Education Program (NACTEP) aims to improve career and technical education (CTE) opportunities for Native American and Alaska Native students, aligning with the goals of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins V). Administered by the Department of Education, NACTEP supports programs that enhance CTE pathways, offering students opportunities to gain industry-recognized credentials, secure employment in high-demand fields, and access educational resources that align with local economic development plans. The program emphasizes flexibility for Tribal entities to address unique local needs, including culturally responsive curricula, student stipends, and direct support services such as childcare, transportation, and technology access.

The primary objective of NACTEP is to provide Tribal communities with resources to develop and sustain CTE programs that lead to economic self-sufficiency and personal advancement. The program prioritizes student preparation for careers in industries such as healthcare, cybersecurity, early childhood education, and natural resource management. Programs are expected to include both academic and technical education components and align with local labor market needs. Cross-agency collaboration is encouraged to ensure smooth transitions between secondary and postsecondary education.

Eligible applicants for NACTEP include federally recognized Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, Alaska Native entities, and Bureau-funded schools. Applications can be submitted individually or as part of a consortium. Bureau-funded schools, however, may only apply for supplemental CTE programs rather than general education activities. Applicants must demonstrate eligibility and include appropriate agreements if partnering with external educational entities to deliver CTE services.

Applicants must address specific submission requirements, including documentation of eligibility, signed CTE agreements with educational partners, and a demonstration of how the proposed project aligns with Perkins V objectives. Funding may be used for preparatory, remedial education services, student stipends, and direct assistance to address barriers to program participation. Funds are restricted from supplanting other available financial aid sources and must adhere to supplement-not-supplant provisions.

The application process requires adherence to specific formatting and submission guidelines, including a recommended narrative page limit of 35 pages. Proposals must align with defined evaluation criteria, focusing on demonstrated need, quality of project design, adequacy of resources, and capacity for effective management. Selection criteria prioritize projects that align with Tribal economic plans, provide measurable outcomes, and address barriers to student participation.

Evaluation measures for NACTEP-funded projects include tracking student graduation rates, attainment of postsecondary credentials, participation in work-based learning, and employment outcomes. Grantees are required to submit both annual and final performance reports detailing progress against these metrics. Projects must align with nondiscrimination requirements under federal civil rights laws.

Key deadlines include an application availability date of January 7, 2025, a notice of intent deadline of February 6, 2025, and an application submission deadline of March 10, 2025. Intergovernmental reviews must be completed by May 7, 2025. Applicants are strongly encouraged to participate in pre-application webinars hosted through the Perkins Collaborative Resource Network.