How to Use Grants to Fund Your CTE Program
Introducing a Spirit Box school store vending machine is an engaging way to provide students with real-world entrepreneurship experience and hands-on learning. Whether you're a high school student eager to start a business, a teacher looking for new ways to teach business skills, or a CTE director seeking to enhance career-connected learning, securing the right funding is key to bringing your vision to life.
Fortunately, there are grants available—including federal funding through the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V)—that can help cover the costs of purchasing a school store vending machine, stocking it with inventory, and implementing a business-focused curriculum.
So, how do you access these funds? Let’s break it down.
What Is CTE and Carl D. Perkins Funding?
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is designed to prepare students for careers in business, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship. It emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world applications, making it the perfect fit for a school-based enterprise program like Spirit Box.
To meet Career and Technical Education (CTE) program requirements, a school-based enterprise must provide hands-on learning, industry-relevant skills, and real-world business experience while aligning with state and federal CTE standards.
To support CTE programs, the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V) provides federal funding to schools. These funds are meant to enhance career-readiness initiatives and give students opportunities to develop the skills they’ll need in the workforce.
Schools can use Perkins grants for:
Purchasing equipment and technology for CTE programs
Supporting entrepreneurship education and student-run businesses
Enhancing work-based learning experiences
Providing access to curriculum and instructional materials
Since Spirit Box is a student-run business and aligns perfectly with these objectives, it is eligible for funding.
How Spirit Box Meets CTE Programs Requirements & Qualifies for Funding
Spirit Box makes CTE learning real by giving students hands-on experience in running a business. It’s more than just a vending machine—it’s a school-based enterprise that teaches students how to manage inventory, track sales, and make smart business decisions. Whether they’re planning a marketing campaign or analyzing profits, Spirit Box helps students build real-world skills that connect to career pathways and work-based learning.
Students gain hands-on experience with:
Entrepreneurship: Learning what it takes to start and operate a small business
Marketing & Branding: Promoting through social media, flyers, and school announcements
Financial Management: Budgeting, setting prices, tracking sales, and calculating profit margins
Customer Service & Operations: Stocking inventory, maintaining the machine, and handling customer inquiries
Teamwork & Leadership: Working together to make business decisions and manage responsibilities
By integrating Spirit Box into a CTE program, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills—all while running a real business!
How to Apply for CTE/Perkins Grant Funding
If you’re interested in funding your Spirit Box through Perkins grants, here’s what you need to do:
1. Contact Your School’s CTE Coordinator
Each school or district has a CTE coordinator responsible for managing funding for career and technical education programs.
Students: Check with your business or marketing teacher to find out who your school's CTE coordinator is.
Teachers: Contact your district’s CTE office to explore available funding opportunities.
2. Learn About Your School’s Funding Process
Perkins grants are distributed at the state and local level, and each district has its own process for applying. Some schools may have funding already allocated for entrepreneurship education, while others may require you to submit a formal proposal.
3. Prepare a Proposal
If your school requires a proposal, work with your CTE coordinator to outline:
Why Spirit Box fits into your school’s CTE curriculum
How it will help students gain business, marketing, and financial skills
The specific costs (vending machine, initial inventory, etc.)
4. Submit Your Application
Follow your school or district’s application process and be aware of deadlines. If approved, the grant can help cover most or all of the costs associated with launching your Spirit Box!
Other Grant and Funding Options
If Perkins funding isn’t available at your school, don’t worry! There are other ways to secure funding, such as:
Local and state CTE grants – Some states provide additional funding for career and technical education programs.
Workforce development programs – Businesses and government agencies may offer grants to support student entrepreneurship.
Small business and entrepreneurship education grants – Organizations like DECA and FBLA sometimes provide funding for student business projects.
Corporate sponsorships and community partnerships – Local businesses may be willing to sponsor your vending machine in exchange for advertising opportunities.
Why This Matters for Students
For high school students, Spirit Box isn’t just a school store vending machine—it’s an opportunity to build real skills that look great on:
College applications – Show leadership, problem-solving, and business experience.
Future careers – Gain hands-on experience in marketing, finance, and operations.
Personal growth – Learn what it takes to start and manage a business.
Running a student-led business gives you an edge over other students applying for internships, jobs, and college programs.
By tapping into CTE funding and Perkins grants, you can bring entrepreneurship education to life and give students unmatched real world business experience.
Want to learn more? Reach out to us today for additional resources and support!
