Fiscal Year 2026 State Allocations under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins V)

The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act Title I State Allocations program is administered by the U.S. Department of Education through the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education. This federal funding initiative supports state-level career and technical education systems to improve academic and technical skill attainment among secondary and postsecondary students. The program is a longstanding federal investment designed to strengthen workforce readiness and align education systems with labor market needs, with allocations distributed annually to states and outlying areas based on statutory formulas. The primary purpose of the program is to provide financial assistance to states to develop and enhance career and technical education programs. These funds are intended to support activities that improve the quality of technical instruction, expand access to career pathways, and ensure equitable outcomes for students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. States are required to use allocation formulas based on population and poverty data, specifically focusing on individuals aged 5 through 17 and those living in poverty, to distribute funds to local educational agencies. Funding is distributed in two phases within the fiscal year. Approximately 40 percent of the funds become available for obligation on July 1, while the remaining balance is released on October 1. States must obligate all awarded funds by September 30 of the second fiscal year following allocation, providing a multi-year window for program implementation. Additionally, states must liquidate obligations within 120 days after the funding period ends unless an extension is granted under federal administrative rules. Eligibility for this funding is limited to state governments, which are responsible for administering and distributing funds to local recipients, including secondary and postsecondary institutions. States must incorporate these funds into their Perkins State Plans or Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act combined plans and submit budget revisions accordingly. The program does not accept direct applications from local entities; instead, funds flow through state agencies, which manage subawards and ensure compliance with federal requirements. The submission process requires states to submit their budgets and plan revisions through the Perkins State Plan Portal. While there is no competitive application process, states must adhere to federal guidelines and timelines for submission and reporting. The program memorandum provides estimated allocations that states must use for planning purposes, and states are expected to coordinate with relevant stakeholders, including fiscal staff and education partners, to prepare their submissions. Evaluation and oversight of the program occur through compliance with federal regulations and reporting requirements rather than a traditional competitive scoring process. States must demonstrate proper use of funds, adherence to statutory distribution formulas, and alignment with program goals. Performance is monitored through federal oversight mechanisms, including audits and reporting requirements under Uniform Guidance. Key contacts for the program include federal staff responsible for fiscal oversight, with specific contact information provided for inquiries related to allocations and compliance. The program operates on an annual cycle tied to the federal fiscal year, with recurring allocations each year. States can expect similar timelines and processes in future cycles, making this a predictable and ongoing funding stream for career and technical education systems nationwide.