The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is accepting applications for the FY27 MyCAP Planning and Implementation, Round A, Fund Code 598A. The competitive state grant supports Massachusetts high schools and eligible LEAs planning or beginning whole-school implementation of My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP).
Funding and deadline
Approximately $200,000 is available statewide. Districts may request $7,000 per high school, with a district cap of four high schools, or $28,000. Applications are due Friday, September 25, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern.
Eligibility and priorities
Eligible applicants include Massachusetts public school districts, charter schools, regional school districts, collaboratives, approved special education schools, and other LEAs serving students in grades 9-12. Priority is given to districts and schools in the strategic transformation region.
Applicants must identify a MyCAP team with at least four members representing a cross-section of school roles. Student representation is encouraged. The work must develop or implement a grade-level scope and sequence across personal/social/mental health, career development, and academic/future-planning domains and identify two student-success metrics.
Allowable and unallowable costs
Allowable costs include stipends, substitute teachers for professional-development participation, consultant fees, and coaching fees. DESE expressly prohibits purchase of technology, including hardware, software, online-learning licenses, college/career planning platforms, and staff training for online career platforms. Off-site transportation, general supplies/materials, snacks, and food are also unallowable.
Submission
Applications are submitted through GEM$. Required LEA workflow steps are Grantwriter Submitted, LEA Fiscal Representative Approved, and LEA Superintendent/Chief Executive Approved by the deadline. New organizations without an established GEM$ LEA must request temporary organization access from DESE at least five business days before the due date. Program contact: Lisa Harney, lisa.m.harney@mass.gov.
Atlas assessment
Atlas Opportunity Score: 78/100. School Funding Score: 86/100. N9+ Fit: 0/100. Technology purchases are expressly prohibited, so Atlas is not forcing a Nonagon N9+ pathway. QC Healthcare Fit: 0/100. Dr. Miltie direct-applicant fit: 0/100. This is a legitimate Massachusetts school-funding opportunity, but not a Dr. Miltie vendor pursuit.
Official source: Massachusetts DESE — FY27 MyCAP Planning and Implementation, Round A.