U.S. Department of Education Launches $1 Million CTE CHIPS Challenge – ED.gov Blog

The U.S. Department of Education (Department) today launched the Career and Technical Education (CTE) CHIPS Challenge, a $1 million prize competition, funded by the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins V) that seeks to expand student recruitment, training, and placement strategies in good-paying semiconductor fabrication (fab) construction and advanced manufacturing careers. White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden announced the CHIPS Challenge at a career and technical education roundtable in Detroit, Michigan today. Full details, including how to apply, are available at CTEChipsChallenge.com; submissions are due on December 20, 2024 at 8:00 PM ET.

The CTE CHIPS Challenge seeks eligible entrants (including but not limited to schools, CTE programs and workforce boards) to submit innovative and evidence-informed action plans designed to:

a. Increase students’ opportunities to develop skills and experiences that better prepare them for good-paying careers aligned with the Biden-Harris Administration’s CHIPS and Science Act Fact Sheet;

b. Expand student recruitment and placement strategies in these careers and industries;

c. Support educators  in building high-quality CTE programs.`

Participants will benefit from valuable networking opportunities, technical assistance, and the chance to learn from subject matter experts. Cash prizes will be available to the top 10 finalists, with a total prize purse of $1 million.

The Department will hold a series of informational webinars this fall to provide technical support to potential entrants. The session topics are:

• Information Session 1, October 29, 2024, 12:30 – 1:30 pm ET: Challenge Overview
• Information Session 2, November 13, 2024, 12:30 – 1:30 pm ET: Connecting the Dots Between CTE Programs and the CHIPS Act
• Information Session 3: November 19, 2024, 12:30 – 1:30 pm ET: How to Submit Your Action Plan

Register here for the information sessions: CTE CHIPS Challenge Info Session Registration link.

A skilled and diverse pipeline of workers is critical to building a sustainable domestic semiconductor industry and strengthening America’s global competitiveness in high-tech industries. All students deserve to graduate with options for success, including into high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand jobs. The Department of Education invites all eligible organizations to get involved.