Perkins Corrections Grant

The Perkins Corrections Grant is administered by the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) through its Workforce Education Department, with collaboration from the Department of Basic Education for Adults. This funding opportunity is part of the federal Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V), which aims to equip students with academic and technical skills necessary for success in a modern workforce. The grant specifically targets correctional education programs operating within Washington State prisons, supporting institutions that provide career and technical education (CTE) to incarcerated individuals. The primary purpose of the grant is to enhance, develop, and improve CTE programming within correctional facilities. Funds are intended to supplement existing programs rather than replace state or local funding. Allowable activities include curriculum development and revision, professional development for instructors through industry-based training, acquisition of instructional materials and supplies, and the purchase of capital equipment necessary for program delivery. The funding is structured to support innovation and quality improvement in correctional education, ensuring that participants gain relevant workforce skills that improve post-release employment opportunities. Eligibility for this grant is limited to Washington State community and technical colleges that operate correctional CTE programs in partnership with the Department of Corrections. These institutions must already have established correctional education programs and must apply through the SBCTC’s Online Grant Management System (OGMS). The application process requires detailed and thorough responses describing proposed activities, budgets, and expected outcomes. Applicants are also required to submit a signed assurances document as part of the application package. The application and review process involves multiple steps, including submission through OGMS, review by SBCTC program and fiscal administrators, and prioritization of funding requests by a collaborative group of Corrections Education Deans and Directors. Applications are evaluated for allowability, alignment with program goals, and overall feasibility. If revisions are needed, applicants are notified and given an opportunity to respond. Final funding decisions are made following this collaborative and administrative review process. The grant operates on a defined annual cycle. Applications for the current funding period open on March 12, 2026, and must be submitted by April 16, 2026. The grant period is expected to begin on July 1, 2026, and conclude on June 30, 2027. During this time, grantees must adhere to strict invoicing schedules, submit quarterly reimbursement requests, and comply with budget and reporting requirements. A final report is due at the end of the grant period, along with final billing documentation. Oversight and accountability are central components of the program. SBCTC conducts monitoring through audits, site visits, and performance reviews to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. Grantees must maintain detailed financial records, adhere to allowable cost guidelines, and ensure that expenditures are necessary and reasonable. Additional requirements include adherence to federal civil rights laws, non-discrimination policies, and proper recordkeeping practices. The grant is offered annually as part of the Perkins funding cycle, though funding availability depends on federal appropriations and policy decisions. Institutions interested in applying should prepare well in advance of the application deadline and ensure compliance with all administrative and fiscal requirements. SBCTC provides multiple points of contact for programmatic, fiscal, and technical assistance to support applicants throughout the process.

Write responses offline before submission; Ensure budget aligns with narrative; Clearly justify all costs; Respond quickly to revision feedback