Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act Grant Program

The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, commonly referred to as Perkins V, is a federal formula funding program administered at the state level by the New York State Education Department through its Office of Postsecondary Access, Support, and Success. The program is designed to enhance the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of career and technical education programs at postsecondary institutions. It builds on prior federal legislation and aligns with national workforce development priorities by supporting institutions that prepare students for high skill, high wage, and in demand occupations. The primary purpose of this grant is to develop the academic, technical, and employability skills of students enrolled in career and technical education programs. Funding is intended to support activities that integrate academic and technical instruction, promote partnerships between secondary and postsecondary education systems, and align educational programs with labor market needs. The program emphasizes improving outcomes for special populations, including individuals with disabilities, economically disadvantaged students, and those entering nontraditional fields. Funding is distributed on a non competitive, formula basis to eligible institutions, primarily public postsecondary institutions and community colleges in New York State. Allocations are based on the number of economically disadvantaged students enrolled in career and technical education programs. Institutions must use funds to supplement, not supplant, existing programs and may support activities such as purchasing instructional equipment, providing professional development, enhancing curriculum, and improving student support services. Certain costs, such as general institutional expenses, promotional items, and tuition payments, are explicitly prohibited. Eligibility is limited to institutions that meet defined criteria related to size, scope, and quality, including the ability to generate a minimum funding threshold and maintain multiple approved programs. Applicants must conduct and submit a Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment prior to applying and must demonstrate how proposed activities address identified gaps. Additional requirements include establishing a Local Advisory Council, complying with civil rights regulations, and participating in ongoing data reporting and evaluation tied to federally defined performance indicators. The application process requires submission of a detailed plan outlining goals, activities, and budget allocations aligned with identified needs. Institutions must submit their applications by the specified deadline and include supporting documentation such as memorandums of understanding, organizational charts, and budget narratives. Applications are reviewed for compliance with federal legislation and state guidelines, and incomplete submissions may be returned for revision. Once approved, institutions are required to submit interim and final reports, along with performance data demonstrating progress. The grant operates on a defined annual cycle, with the 2027 funding period covering July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Key deadlines include application submission, reporting milestones, and final expenditure reporting. The program is recurring annually, with institutions expected to reapply each year and continuously improve program outcomes based on performance data and workforce needs. Contact for the program is maintained through the New York State Education Department, which provides oversight, technical assistance, and compliance monitoring throughout the grant period.

Ensure all goals align with needs assessment findings and core performance indicators; avoid supplanting existing funding; submit complete and compliant documentation to prevent delays