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Request for Applications

2021-22 Specialized Secondary Programs (SSP) Grant


Note: The due date for the request for applications has passed. This page is for reference and administration of funding.

Specialized Secondary Programs (SSP) provides start-up funds for the establishment of new specialized programs in grades nine through twelve in California high schools. The programs are expected to develop new standards-based model curriculum that promote an in-depth study of a targeted content area. The Legislature intends for SSP to benefit the state economy by having schools located in close proximity to related industries. Funding is available for planning and implementing new programs.

Program Questions: Charlene Cowan, email: ccowan@cde.ca.gov

Downloading Questions: Alicia Aguirre, email: SSPrograms@cde.ca.gov, phone: 916-319-0472

Document Description
Request for Application Instructions and Guidance (DOCX) Instructions for completing the Specialized Secondary Programs planning grant request for applications. Includes Program Narrative Questions and guidance.
Signature Page Form A-1 (PDF) Contains required school and contact information. Includes required industry sector and career pathway information.
Signature Page Form A-2 (PDF) Contains required LEA and contact information. Includes required signatures.
School Information and Community Description Form B (PDF) School and program enrollment estimates. School geographic and community descriptions.
Overview of the Proposed Specialized Secondary Program (PDF) Provide a 150-word overview of the Specialized Secondary Program (SSP) proposed in this application.
Grant Budget Form C (PDF) Identifies the proposed one-year budget for the SSP. Includes SSP grant and identified matching funds.
Grant Budget Narrative Form D (DOCX) Provides a narrative explanation for each budget category.
Program Narrative Response Form E (DOCX) Applicants must respond to the Program Narrative Questions on this form. Applicants must complete this form in accordance with the formatting and submission requirements provided in the application instructions.
Appendix A: Scoring Rubric (DOCX) Scoring rubric used by evaluators in scoring the submitted application. Applicants are advised to use it as a guide in responding to the Program Narrative Questions and application requirements.
Appendix B: CTE Industry Sectors and Career Pathways (DOCX) Identifies the Career Technical Education (CTE) Industry Sectors, industry sector abbreviations, and CTE Career Pathways.
Appendix C: CTE Standards (DOCX) Provides a link to the California Career Technical Education Model Curriculum Standards.
Certifications and Assurances
Document Description

General Assurances & Certifications

General Assurances and Certifications must be downloaded and kept on file for compliance reviews, complaint investigations, or audits. Applicants do not need to sign and return them with the application. Applicants that participate in the Consolidated Application–ConApp–should have a copy on file. Program-specific assurances are not included here. They are listed separately in the Request for Application.

More about 2021-22 Specialized Secondary Programs (SSP) Grant

Last Reviewed: Friday, March 21, 2025
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