Empowering Students
Utah’s Applied Professional Education Experiences (APEX) Grant Program funds learning centers that bridge the classroom and the workplace, empowering students to shape their futures.
What is the APEX Grant Program?
The APEX Grant Program, created by Utah's H.B. 447, establishes a grant program to help local education agencies (LEAs) create or expand catalyst centers. The purpose of the program is to support LEAs in creating and expanding these centers to align with labor market needs and state career and technical education goals and drive student engagement.
What is an APEX Center?
An APEX Center is a profession-based learning hub that bridges classroom education with real-world experience. These centers give students the opportunity to explore careers, gain hands-on skills, and work on projects shaped by industry partners. By blending academics with practical learning, APEX Centers spark curiosity, ignite opportunities, and prepare students for success in college, career, and life.
Eligibility Criteria
Applications must be submitted from the local education agency (LEA) and not an individual school. LEAs include school districts, charter schools, and the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind.Application Materials
Applications will open in Utah Grants on May 15, 2026. Applications will be due June 23, 2026 at 5:00 pm. A informational session will be held May 21, 2026 from 9am-11am at USBE in Basement West or participants can join virtually: Zoom.
APEX Grant Program Implementation Application Rubric
APEX Grant Program Planning Grant Application Rubric
Grantees
Planning grant awardees
- Beehive Science and Technology Academy
- Duchesne County School District
- Freedom Prep Academy
- Garfield School District
- Grand County School District
- Juab School District
- Morgan School District
- NUAMES
- Providence Hall
- South Sanpete School District
- Summit Academy
- Terra Academy
- Uintah School District
- Utah Connections Academy
- Walden School
Implementation grant awardees
- Cache County School District
- Canyons School District
- Davis School District
- Granite School District
- Iron County School District
- Kane County School District
- Murray School District
- Park City School District
- Pinnacle Canyon Academy
- Provo City School District
- San Juan School District
- Wasatch School District
- Weber School District
Contact Information
Stephanie N. Patton, EdD
APEX Center Grant Program Director
Phone: (801) 538-7989 | Email
Utah State Board of Education
250 East 500 South
PO Box 144200
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4200
