Alpena Public Schools will use more than $3 million in newly awarded state grants to expand career and technical education opportunities for students in grades 6-12, including pathways tied to engineering, construction, computer networking, health occupations and finance.

APS received $3,045,781 through eight Section 61V Career and Technical Education Expansion Grant applications, according to an announcement dated Oct. 7, 2026. The award made Alpena Public Schools the single largest 61V grant recipient in Michigan during the funding round.

What the grants will support

The grants will help APS launch or expand four pathways: engineering, robotics and advanced manufacturing; construction; computer science and networking; and health occupations. The expansion will also extend career-pathway opportunities into junior high, according to the district.

At Alpena High School, students will also be able to pursue a Career and Technical Education finance pathway. Students in finance, business and marketing programs will have the opportunity to enroll in the College Board’s AP Business and Personal Finance course.

The district said the grant funds are restricted resources. That means they are audited financial resources designated by the Michigan Legislature for specific programs, activities or populations and cannot be redirected to general operating expenses.

Connection to Northeast Michigan jobs

Michigan’s 61V CTE Expansion Grant program is designed to help school districts develop pathways in high-demand, high-wage and high-skill fields, including information technology, skilled trades, advanced manufacturing and business.

APS said the new and expanded programs are intended to address local workforce shortages and community needs while giving students more direct preparation for careers in Northeast Michigan. Dr. Jessica Gillard, APS CTE director, said the district is aligning its curriculum with high-demand industries so students can prepare for high-wage, high-skill careers in the region.

Across the state, more than $44 million was distributed to dozens of school districts in the funding round. APS’s allocation was the largest overall award, supporting what the district described as a comprehensive K-12 career-pathway initiative.

Existing APS career programs

The new offerings will join 11 existing award-winning APS Career and Technical Education options:

  • Agriscience and Natural Resources
  • Automotive Technology
  • Business Management
  • Digital Media
  • Construction Technology
  • Health Care Occupations
  • Marketing
  • Robotics and Engineering
  • Teacher Academy
  • Woodworking
  • Welding Technology

The district said the investment is intended to strengthen career prospects for students while supporting families and the broader Northeast Michigan economy.