Specialized Secondary Programs (SSP) Grant 2026-27

Funding Description

The Specialized Secondary Programs (SSP) provides start-up funds for the establishment of a new specialized program or school, to provide advanced instruction and training in high technology fields and in the performing arts, for students in grades nine through twelve in high schools. The Legislature intends for SSP to benefit the state economy by having programs located in close proximity to areas in which these industries are located. Funding is available for planning and implementing new programs.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants	Local educational agencies
Required Eligibility Criteria	The proposed SSP must be new to the identified school site(s) and will provide students with advanced instruction and training in high technology fields and in the performing arts in grades nine through twelve. All California public high schools, county offices of education, consortium of local educational agencies (LEAs), and direct-funded charter schools are eligible to apply.
Other Eligibility Considerations	SSP funds shall supplement and shall not supplant existing programs at the school site. The SSP will develop model curricula which shall be made available to other school districts in the state. The proposed SSP will plan two new, yearlong sequenced courses (i.e., concentrator course and capstone course) in two consecutive grade levels. The sequenced courses will align to one career technical education (CTE) industry sector and one corresponding CTE career pathway. SSP funds are for new grants, continued implementation funding, technical assistance, and a legislated apportionment for two SSP recipients.
Eligible Grade Level(s)	9, 10, 11, 12
Eligible Age Level(s)	Not applicable

Funding

Legal Authority	California Education Code sections 58800-58806; Budget Item 6100-122-0001.
Source / Type	State / Grant
State Fiscal Year	2026-27
SACS Resource / Revenue Codes	7370 / 8590
Total Available	$4,892,000
Recipient Amount	Up to $100,000
Match Requirement	No
Allocation Formula	Unavailable

Important Dates

Date Application Available	November 16, 2026
Due Date	January 27, 2027
Expected Notification Date	April 14, 2027

Additional Information

Application	Unavailable
Background	Specialized Secondary Programs (SSP) [http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/gs/hs/sspgen.asp]
Fiscal	Unavailable
Other	Due to coordination efforts with stakeholders, the date has been delayed. We anticipate a Cohort 12 start date of June 1, 2027. The Cohort 12 RFA is anticipated to be available prior to this date

Contacts

Program	Charlene Cowan, 916-319-0892, ccowan@cde.ca.gov
Fiscal	Justin Keithline, 916-445-1710, jkeithline@cde.ca.gov
Division	Career & College Transition Division, 916-319-0893 (phone), 916-319-0168 (fax)