Quick summary: Perkins V is the federal law that funds career and technical education in the United States. Signed on July 31, 2018, it allocates $1.4 billion a year for states to develop CTE programs. Districts receive funds through their state and must complete a comprehensive local needs assessment at least every two years. The money must support programs of sufficient size, scope, and quality, based on what that assessment finds.
What is Perkins V?
Perkins V is the short name for the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. The U.S. Department of Education says it was signed into law on July 31, 2018. It allocates $1.4 billion each year for states to develop career and technical education programs. It replaced the previous version of the law, Perkins IV.
For a district CTE director, the Perkins grant is a core source of federal CTE money. It also comes with strings attached, so it pays to know the rules before you plan around it.
The comprehensive local needs assessment
Before a district can spend Perkins V funds, it’s got to know where its programs stand. That’s the job of the comprehensive local needs assessment, or CLNA.
The Michigan Department of Education explains that the CLNA must be included in each local application and updated at least every two years. It looks at:
- How students in each subgroup perform on the Perkins core indicators
- The size, scope, quality, and alignment of CTE programs
- Progress toward implementing CTE programs and programs of study
- How CTE educators are recruited, retained, and trained
- Progress toward equal access to CTE for all students
Don’t treat the CLNA as paperwork. It’s the document that justifies every dollar you spend.
What can Perkins V funds pay for?
Perkins V funds must be used to meet the needs identified in the CLNA. The law lists six required areas for local spending, summarized in this Illinois State Board of Education guide:
| Required use | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Career exploration and development | An organized framework for career activities, labor market information, and counseling, starting in the middle grades |
| Professional development | Training for teachers, faculty, school leaders, and administrators |
| High-skill, high-wage, in-demand skills | Preparing students for careers in high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors |
| Academic integration | Building academic skills into CTE programs |
| Program implementation | Carrying out the elements that support CTE programs and improve performance |
| Evaluation | Evaluating the activities funded under Perkins, including what’s needed for the CLNA |
There are two more rules you’ll want to know. Recipients may pool part of their funds with other recipients to support programs of study. And no more than 5 percent of the money can go to administration.
How to use Perkins V to launch a new CTE program
- Start with the CLNA. If your assessment shows a gap in technology careers, that’s your case for a new program.
- Check your state’s programs of study. Perkins V funding is tied to them, so a new course should fit an approved program.
- Budget for work based learning and teachers, not only equipment. See how schools connect students to real jobs. Professional development is a required use, which makes instructor training a natural fit.
- Plan for evaluation from day one. You’ll need the data for the next CLNA cycle anyway, and it’s easier to collect as you go.
- Stack your funding. Plan on Perkins V being one piece of the budget. Pair it with state CTE grants, local budget, and industry partners.
How Illuminate STEM works with districts
Illuminate STEM partners with school districts to deliver technology career programs in robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing. We provide curriculum, equipment, and instructor training, plus grant funding support and compliance assistance. That makes it easier to connect a new program to your CLNA and your Perkins plan.
See our programs or learn more about Illuminate STEM.
Frequently asked questions
What does Perkins V stand for?
Perkins V is the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, signed into law on July 31, 2018.
How often do districts update the Perkins V needs assessment?
The comprehensive local needs assessment must be included in each local application and updated at least every two years.
Can Perkins V funds pay for teacher training?
Yes. Professional development for teachers, faculty, school leaders, and administrators is one of the required local uses of Perkins V funds.
Plan your next CTE program
If your needs assessment points to a gap in technology careers, we’ll help you build the program to fill it. Connect with Illuminate STEM or email info@illuminatestem.org.
