The Career and Technical Education Access Act establishes a competitive federal grant program, to be administered by the Secretary of Education in coordination with the Secretary of Labor, for State educational agencies. This program aims to allow States to establish, expand, or improve career and technical education (CTE) programs tailored to local workforce needs. States are provided flexibility to implement these programs through standalone CTE high schools, regional career centers, or hybrid models.

To receive a grant, States must submit a 5-year implementation plan that includes a needs assessment, a strategy for workforce alignment, and a plan for ensuring equity and access, especially for underserved populations. Approved activities for grant funds include constructing or renovating CTE facilities, creating career-aligned coursework, fostering collaboration with businesses and colleges, developing internships and apprenticeships, purchasing state-of-the-art equipment, and funding professional development for educators. The federal share of project costs can range from 50 to 75 percent, with in-kind contributions allowed for the non-federal share.

Grant recipients must submit annual reports detailing student enrollment, graduation rates, job placement, credentials earned, and employer participation. The Secretary will establish performance benchmarks, and States failing to meet them for two consecutive years must submit a corrective action plan, with potential grant reductions for continued underperformance. Furthermore, States are mandated to conduct a workforce needs assessment every three years to ensure CTE programs align with in-demand job sectors and address labor market needs.

The Act also establishes CTE Pell Grants for public secondary school students to assist with tuition and other costs associated with enrollment in various CTE-related programs. These include credentialing programs, apprenticeships, dual-enrollment courses with junior or community colleges, and occupational training programs aligned with in-demand industries. Eligibility is based on enrollment in a public secondary school, participation in an approved program, and demonstrated financial need, with regulations for these grants modeled on the existing Federal Pell Grant program.