need to strengthen the competitiveness of the
American workforce is one of
the most urgent challenges
we now face as a nation.
To this end, the U.S. Department of Education has joined with America's innovators through a series of prize competitions (collectively referred to as "Ed Prizes") to develop new standards, products, and services to both increase access to and expand the capacity of career and technical education.
Impact of Ed Prizes
$1,105,000 total cash prizes awarded under these three
competitions to date.
950+ innovative submissions received during open
submissions across these three competitions.
28 industry sponsors offered various in-kind prizes across
these three competitions.
OCTAE Contact
Albert Palacios
Albert.Palacios@ed.gov
Launched in August 2020, CTE Mission: CubeSat is a national challenge to build technical skills for careers in space and beyond. Five finalists have advanced to Phase 2, during which they will build and launch CubeSat prototypes.
Current Challenges
CTE Mission:
CubeSat
Current
Launched in August 2020, CTE Mission: CubeSat is a national challenge to build technical skills for careers in space and beyond. Five finalists have advanced to Phase 2, during which they will build and launch CubeSat prototypes.
Rural Tech
Project
Current
Launched in June 2020, the Rural Tech Project is a national challenge to advance rural technology education. The U.S. Department of Education invites high schools and local education agencies to propose technology education programs that use competency-based distance learning.
Past Challenges
Reach Higher Career App Challenge
October 2015 - August 2016
Launched in October 2015, the Reach Higher App Challenge called upon app developers, educators, and data mavens to submit mobile solutions that help students navigate education and career paths, and increase the capacity of career counselors to serve students.
EdSim
Challenge
November 2016 - October 2017
Launched in November 2016, the EdSim Challenge called upon the virtual reality, video game developer, and educational technology communities to submit concepts for immersive solutions that prepare students for the globally competitive workforce of the 21st century.
CTE Makeover
Challenge
March 2016 - October 2016
Launched in March 2016, the CTE Makeover Challenge called upon schools to design makerspaces that strengthen career and technical skills through making.