South Carolina may soon change the way it funds Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, and that’s something both charter and traditional public schools will want to keep an eye on.
Right now, CTE programs receive additional funding through the State Aid to Classrooms (SAC) formula. The formula includes a special weight for students enrolled in CTE courses, recognizing that these programs often require more resources—things like specialized equipment, updated technology, and smaller class sizes for hands-on learning. For the 2024–25 school year, that additional weighting brought in roughly $82 million in extra support to schools across the state.
A proposal currently under discussion would remove the CTE weight from the funding formula. Instead of funding automatically following students enrolled in CTE programs, support for programs and equipment would come through specific state appropriations.
At the same time, CTE funding for all schools would be based on the 135-day student count from the previous year. That shift could create some challenges, particularly for charter schools that are growing. If the student-weighting disappears, the additional funding would no longer adjust automatically as enrollment increases, making it harder to keep pace with program costs. Traditional districts may also need to adapt, though they often have more local funding options that can help fill potential gaps.
This funding plays an important role in helping schools align their programs with workforce needs across the state. Industries like manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and information technology continue to grow in South Carolina, and many charter schools have built strong CTE pathways to prepare students for those careers. These programs often allow students to graduate with industry-recognized certifications that can open doors immediately after high school.
We’ve already seen what that can look like in practice. A recent graduate from PALM Charter High School earned a master welder certification and was able to step directly into a manufacturing job after graduation. Stories like that highlight how meaningful these programs can be—not just for schools, but for students planning their futures.
CTE opportunities themselves aren’t going away. However, if the funding structure changes, schools may need to approach planning a little differently. Budgeting for equipment, staffing, and program growth will likely require more deliberate year-to-year planning to ensure students continue to have access to high-quality, career-focused learning.
At the Alliance, we’re closely tracking these conversations and staying engaged with policymakers about possible paths forward—including options that strengthen or refine CTE weighting rather than removing it entirely. Our focus remains on helping schools stay informed and prepared so they can continue offering strong opportunities for students.
As the legislation develops, we’ll continue sharing updates and insights to help your school navigate the changes ahead.