Perkins Special Projects Grants

The Perkins Special Projects Grants are administered by the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges as part of the broader Perkins Leadership funding under the federal Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. These grants are designed to support strategic, innovative initiatives that strengthen career and technical education across Washington State’s community and technical college system. The State Board acts as the intermediary agency distributing federal funds to eligible institutions while ensuring alignment with statewide workforce development goals and federal performance requirements. The primary purpose of the Perkins Special Projects Grant is to fund initiatives that have a clear statewide focus or impact. Projects are expected to produce resources, tools, or outcomes that can be shared across multiple colleges within the system. This includes efforts such as statewide coordination of programs, development of professional training opportunities, curriculum alignment, and initiatives that enhance career pathways and employer engagement. The grant emphasizes innovation and is intended to support the launch of new ideas rather than ongoing operational costs, encouraging colleges to pilot and scale promising practices. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis and must be used for allowable costs directly tied to the approved project. Eligible expenses include salaries and benefits for staff working on the project, goods and services necessary for implementation, travel related to program activities, and contracted services. All expenditures must comply with federal cost principles and be necessary and reasonable for achieving program objectives. Funds may not be used for administrative overhead, general institutional expenses, or capital construction. Grants are awarded in one-year increments, and recipients must expend funds by June 30, 2027, with final invoicing and reporting deadlines extending into July 2027. Eligibility for the grant is limited to Washington State community and technical colleges as defined under state law. Applicants must demonstrate how their proposed project aligns with statewide performance indicators, particularly those related to student retention, completion, and employment outcomes. There is a strong emphasis on improving outcomes for special populations, including individuals with disabilities, economically disadvantaged students, English learners, single parents, and other underserved groups. Projects must include strategies to address equity gaps and improve access and success for these populations. The application process is conducted through the Online Grant Management System. Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive proposal that includes detailed narrative responses, a budget, and a clear description of project activities and expected outcomes. Applications submitted by the priority deadline are reviewed by State Board staff and the Workforce Education Council Executive Committee. Applicants may be required to present their proposals and respond to feedback during the review process. Final funding decisions are typically made by late June, and projects begin shortly thereafter. The timeline for the 2026-27 grant cycle includes an application opening date of March 12, 2026, and a priority submission deadline of April 16, 2026. Applications may continue to be accepted after this date if funding remains available, with a final deadline of September 17, 2026. The grant period concludes on June 30, 2027, with final reports due at the end of the project period and invoicing deadlines shortly thereafter. Oversight includes monitoring, audits, and reporting requirements to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. Program administration is supported by designated staff within the State Board, including a Program Administrator and Policy Associate who provide guidance to applicants and grantees. The program emphasizes accountability, requiring recipients to maintain proper documentation, submit periodic reimbursement requests, and complete a final report summarizing project outcomes. Overall, the Perkins Special Projects Grants serve as a key mechanism for advancing innovation and equity in career and technical education across Washington State.

Emphasize statewide impact scalability and equity focus clearly identify performance indicators include a sustainability plan ensure budget narrative aligns with FTE calculations