In today’s rapidly evolving job market, K-12 educators face the challenge of preparing students for careers that demand both technical expertise and soft skills. To meet this challenge, dedicated funding is critical to ensuring that schools have the necessary resources to create meaningful Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. One of the most powerful funding sources available to K-12 educators is the Perkins V grant, a federal program designed to enhance CTE offerings across the United States.
The Perkins V grant is a critical resource for schools, focusing on their potential to transform K-12 career readiness programs. By creatively using Perkins funding, educators can introduce powerful tools and professional development opportunities, such as those provided by Kuder, Inc. and the Institute for Career Advising and Development (ICAD). These resources can help enhance career advising effectiveness and support students in preparing for the workforce.
The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act —often called the Perkins Act or Perkins V Grant — is a vital federal initiative designed to improve the quality of career and technical education in schools across the United States. The Perkins Act funds states, local education agencies, and eligible institutions to enhance CTE programs that prepare students for successful careers in high-demand industries.
Perkins Grants ensure that CTE programs align with industry standards and workforce needs. This means funding is directed toward improving curricula, expanding access to high-quality career training, purchasing advanced equipment, and supporting professional development for those to support students. The ultimate goal is to provide students with practical skills and relevant knowledge to thrive in careers.
Perkins Grants offer educators significant opportunities to enhance teaching practices, upgrade classroom resources, and provide students with more robust career exploration and readiness opportunities. Here’s how:
Enhancing Curriculum and Course Content: Perkins funds can be used to improve or develop new curricula for CTE programs, ensuring that the courses offered meet the skills and qualifications demanded by today’s job market. This includes updating textbooks, integrating industry-specific software, and incorporating real-world scenarios into lessons.
Teacher & Counselor Professional Development: Educators are the heart of any successful CTE program. Perkins funding enables teachers to gain specialized training, attend conferences, and earn certifications in their subject areas. Resources like the Institute for Career Advising and Development (ICAD) offer online courses and certifications focused on work-based learning program management, career advising fundamentals, and more to equip CTE teachers with the knowledge and strategies needed to elevate student learning. By participating in ICAD courses, educators can stay current with trends in both education and industry, enhancing their teaching and helping students develop the skills employers seek.
Work-Based Learning Opportunities: One key component of a successful CTE program is providing students with work-based learning opportunities, such as internships, apprenticeships, and job-shadowing experiences. Perkins funds can be used to establish or expand these programs, helping students gain hands-on experience in real-world environments. Kuder, Inc. offers tools like Connect 2 Business that can further support these efforts by helping students get started with self-discovery, explore related careers, and get matched with work-based learning opportunities that align with their career interests.
Purchasing Advanced Equipment and Technology: To give students a competitive edge, CTE programs require up-to-date tools, machinery, and technologies that mirror the modern workplace. Perkins funding allows schools to purchase the latest equipment, from 3D printers to healthcare simulation mannequins, ensuring students develop practical skills employers value.
Expanding Access to CTE Programs: Perkins funding helps ensure that all students, including those from underserved communities, have access to high-quality CTE programs. Schools can use these funds to offer more pathways to success, from entry-level courses to advanced certifications and increasing awareness of pathways that students can enter.
Applying for Perkins Grants can be complex, but educators and administrators can navigate the system effectively with the right approach. Here are the key steps to securing Perkins funding:
Identify Local Needs and Priorities: Before applying, schools should assess the specific needs of their students and community. Understanding which CTE fields are most in demand and aligning programs with local workforce needs will increase the likelihood of a successful application.
Develop a Detailed Plan: A strong Perkins V application requires a comprehensive plan that outlines how the funds will be used. This plan should detail the specific goals of the CTE program, how the funding will enhance student learning, and how it will benefit the local workforce.
Collaborate with Industry Partners: Schools should consider partnering with local businesses, trade unions, or community organizations. Demonstrating support from industry partners can strengthen an application and ensure that programs are aligned with real-world job market needs.
Submit the Application: Once the plan is in place, the application can be submitted through the state or local education agency. Be sure to follow all guidelines, meet deadlines, and provide any necessary documentation.
Monitor and Report on Progress: After receiving Perkins funding, schools are required to monitor how the funds are spent and report on the programs’ progress. This accountability helps ensure that Perkins grants continue to positively impact CTE programs.
Once Perkins funding is secured, it’s essential to maximize its impact. Here are some creative ways to use these funds to enhance K-12 education:
Develop Work-Based Learning Programs: One of the most effective ways to prepare students for their careers is to integrate real-world experiences into their education. Use Perkins funds to develop or expand internships, apprenticeships, or mentorship programs with local businesses and industries. For example, a school offering a construction program could partner with local builders to provide students with on-site training. Kuder’s career readiness tools can be used to support this process by helping students assess their interests and match them with appropriate work-based learning opportunities.
Invest in Cutting-Edge Technology: Integrating technology into the classroom is a game-changer for CTE programs. Perkins funding can be used to purchase the latest software, hardware, and equipment used in various industries. A digital media program, for example, could invest in industry-standard editing software, while a healthcare program might purchase high-fidelity mannequins for simulated medical training.
Expand Career Pathways: Perkins funding can be used to create or expand career pathways that reflect current job market trends. For instance, schools can offer courses in emerging fields such as cybersecurity, renewable energy, or artificial intelligence, giving students the skills necessary to enter these growing industries.
Create Online Learning Opportunities: Virtual learning is essential in an increasingly digital world. Perkins funds can be used to implement online learning platforms, webinars, and virtual simulations that allow students to learn at their own pace. This is particularly useful for students who may not have access to in-person learning opportunities.
Enhance Teacher Professional Development: Educators need ongoing training to stay current with new technologies, teaching methods, and industry trends. In addition to in-person opportunities, professional development companies like ICAD offer online courses designed to keep educators on the cutting edge of CTE education. These professional development resources help teachers improve instructional techniques and stay updated on industry developments. This is not only crucial for educators’ growth but also for the success of their students.
Support Career Exploration and Readiness: Kuder, Inc. provides an array of career readiness tools that schools can incorporate into their Perkins-funded programs. These tools help students explore career options, set educational goals, and develop the skills necessary to succeed in the workforce. By using Kuder’s resources, schools can give students a clearer understanding of their career paths, enhancing their engagement and preparedness for post-graduation success.
Perkins funding offers an invaluable opportunity for K-12 educators to enhance their career and technical education programs, equipping students with the skills needed for success in high-demand industries. When combined with professional development platforms like ICAD and career readiness tools from Kuder, Perkins funding becomes even more powerful. These resources ensure that educators can provide students with a dynamic, real-world education, preparing them to thrive in an ever-changing job market.
To learn more about leveraging Perkins funding to transform your school’s CTE programs and how resources like ICAD and Kuder can enhance your efforts, contact our team. Together, we can help unlock the full potential of students and equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the workforce of tomorrow.