Perkins Grant

Perkins

Perkins funds reflect the 100-year federal commitment to Career and Technical Education (CTE) by providing federal support for CTE programs. Perkins affords states and local communities the opportunity to implement a vision for CTE that uniquely supports the range of educational needs of students — exploration through career preparation — and balances those student needs with the current and emerging needs of the economy.

The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins IV) is intended to more fully develop the academic knowledge and the technical and employability skills of secondary education students and postsecondary education students who elect to enroll in career and technical education programs and programs of study.

The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) was signed into law on July 31, 2018. This bipartisan measure reauthorized the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins IV) and continued Congress’ commitment in providing nearly $1.3 billion annually for CTE programs for our nation’s youth and adults. Perkins V represents an important opportunity to expand opportunities for every student to explore, choose, and follow CTE programs of study and career pathways to earn credentials of value by:

  • Improving alignment to state-identified in-demand industries;
  • Placing a stronger emphasis on quality by requiring robust measures of progress;
  • Placing a stronger focus on equity by increasing federal funds that states can set aside to assist CTE programs in rural areas and in predominantly low-income areas.