Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) Postsecondary Allocation Grant

The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act Postsecondary Allocation Grant is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This program is part of the federal Perkins V legislation, which is designed to improve career and technical education programs across the United States. The department operates under a broader educational vision that emphasizes equitable access, culturally responsive teaching practices, and improved outcomes for historically underserved populations. Through partnerships with postsecondary institutions and other stakeholders, the department seeks to align workforce development with academic and career readiness goals. The primary purpose of this grant is to support postsecondary institutions in enhancing career and technical education programs that meet statewide expectations and align with the Massachusetts State Plan under Perkins V. The program encourages applicants to design initiatives that advance at least one of the department’s strategic objectives, including whole student support, deeper learning, and the development of a diverse and effective workforce. A key priority of the grant is addressing achievement gaps, particularly for populations that are chronically unemployed or underemployed, including special populations identified under federal guidelines. Funding provided through this grant must be used in accordance with federal Perkins V requirements and associated regulations, including Uniform Grant Guidance and Education Department General Administrative Regulations. Funds are intended to supplement, not replace, existing non federal funding sources. Additionally, at least twenty percent of allocation funds must be dedicated to activities that strengthen secondary to postsecondary linkages. Allowable uses include program improvement, workforce alignment, and support services that enhance student success in career pathways. Strict compliance requirements prohibit the use of funds for lobbying activities and require careful documentation of all expenditures. Eligibility for this grant is limited to postsecondary institutions that meet federal criteria established by the United States Department of Education. Eligible applicants must offer career and technical education programs that comply with Perkins V requirements and must conduct and maintain a Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment. Applications are subject to state review and approval, and only institutions that meet all compliance standards and programmatic expectations will receive funding. The application process requires submission through the Grants for Education Management System. Applicants must ensure that all required organizational roles are established prior to submission, including grant writing, fiscal review, and executive approval roles. Required documentation includes federal grant assurances signed by authorized leadership, and additional documentation may be necessary depending on proposed expenditures, particularly for capital investments. Community colleges must complete an additional interdepartmental service agreement process, which may extend the timeline for accessing funds. The grant period runs from July 1, 2026, or upon approval, through June 30, 2027. Applications are due on September 23, 2026, and applicants are encouraged to submit early to account for administrative processing requirements. Funding amounts are contingent upon federal allocations and may vary. Awards are formally issued through the Grants for Education Management System, which serves as the official notification platform. Ongoing compliance, reporting, and documentation requirements apply throughout the grant period to ensure adherence to federal and state regulations.

Submit early to account for approval timelines; ensure compliance with federal regulations and documentation requirements