Call for Peer Reviewers: FY 2026 Career Pathways Exploration (CPE) Grant Program Competition

Purpose

The Career Pathways Exploration (CPE) Grant Program provides competitive grants to States to build their capacity to integrate career exploration into statewide career pathways and workforce readiness programs. The program supports efforts to provide elementary and secondary school students with more career exploration opportunities, enabling them to develop, expand, and prioritize the skills and knowledge needed to excel in high-demand fields. The supports provided through this program facilitate access to opportunities that expose students to real-life workforce realities through a variety of career pathway programs aligned with State priorities.

Process

Selected reviewers will:

Independently read, score, and evaluate assigned grant applications.
Provide detailed, objective, and constructive written comments.
Participate in panel discussions to support funding recommendations.

Reviewer feedback will be used to inform funding decisions. Written comments will be shared with applicants (with all personally identifiable information removed), and comments for funded applications may be made publicly available following the review process. Reviewers are expected to adhere to all requirements outlined in this Call for Peer Reviewers.

Experience and Expertise

The Department seeks:

State and district staff who have designed and/or implemented career exploration programs that evolve as K-12 students grow and include postsecondary options.
State and district staff who have designed and/or supported workforce development programs that are aligned with State workforce priorities.
K-12 school-level staff who have taught in or supported career pathway programs that include academic and technical sequences in high-demand fields tied to State priorities.
K-12 school-level staff who have supported career pathway programs that foster career and college readiness.

Requirements

Peer reviewers are expected to:

Work approximately 60 hours over a 2-week review period.
Complete virtual reviewer training (June 25, 2026).
Be available for the full review period (June 29 - July 10, 2026) and participate in at least three panel meetings on June 29, July 2, and July 7 during AM or PM time slots.
Have access to a computer, internet, and phone during the review period.

Compensation for selected reviewers is $300 per application.

Conflicts of Interest

Individuals may not serve as reviewers if they:

Participated in preparing an application.
Are affiliated with an applying organization.
Have a financial or professional interest in the competition outcome, including interests of family members, employees, or associates.