Law in Missouri Now Offers Tuition-Free Education in Vocational and Technical Fields
The state of Missouri is set to introduce the Career-Tech Certificate (CTC) Program in the 2026-27 school year, aiming to address critical workforce shortages and increase access to career-technical training [2][1].
The CTC Program will cover the costs of eligible career-technical education programs, including tuition, fees, and the cost of books. This initiative is modelled on the successful A+ Program and will establish the Career-Tech Certificate (CTC) Program Fund to reimburse these costs, with the intention of reducing financial barriers for students pursuing career-technical credentials [1].
While the specific list of eligible technical programs has not been detailed, these programs are expected to focus on preparing students for skilled trades and technical careers that meet local employer needs [1][2]. The eligibility criteria for the CTC Program are not yet explicitly outlined, but it is likely to target students enrolled in relevant technical training or certificate programs at postsecondary institutions or career centers in Missouri [1][2].
The tuition benefit provided by the CTC Program applies to certificate programs that do not exceed 60 credit hours or their equivalent and result in a non-graduate-level certificate or industry-recognized credential. Examples of eligible programs include certified nurse assistant programs, certified medication technician (CMT) programs, level 1 medication aide programs, insulin administration programs, emergency medical technician programs, advanced emergency medical technician programs, paramedic programs, and commercial driver's license programs [1].
State Rep. Ann Kelley, a Republican from Lamar, filed the bill in the Missouri House of Representatives, and Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bill 150 on July 9, 2021. The legislation has received widespread support from groups such as the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Missouri National Education Association [1].
The CTC Program is intended to increase the workforce and provide another avenue for career tech program students to improve their skills. The program will be funded by a fund managed by the State Treasurer's Office, with funding needing to be appropriated annually by the Missouri General Assembly [1].
Governor Kehoe has expressed support for career and technical education, calling for enhancements to Missouri's career and technical education programs in his January State of the State speech [1]. The state has estimated that the new program will cost up to $2.1 million in Fiscal Year 2027 and $3.3 million the following year [1].
The CTC Program is a significant step towards addressing the state's workforce needs and making career-technical training more accessible and affordable for Missouri students. For precise eligibility criteria and a comprehensive list of eligible programs, more detailed official guidance from Missouri education authorities or the implementing institutions will be needed once the program is fully launched and administered.
- The Missouri General Assembly has passed Senate Bill 150, which outlines the introduction of the Career-Tech Certificate (CTC) Program in the 2026-27 school year, aiming to boost the workforce and make career-technical training more accessible for Missouri students.
- The Missouri Governor, Mike Kehoe, has expressed support for this initiative, acknowledging its potential to increase the state's workforce and enhance Missouri's career and technical education programs.
- The CTC Program's policy and legislation focus on providing free tuition, books, and fees for eligible career-technical education programs, targeting high school graduates enrolled in relevant technical training or certificate programs in Missouri, aligned with learning objectives in the fields of education-and-self-development, policy-and-legislation, and politics.
