Federal Perkins Funding
What is it? How to access it. Why your state or program needs it.
Perkins funding is federal money provided through the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. It's designed to support and improve Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in schools, such as those in fields like allied health and health sciences.
How is Perkins Funding Beneficial?
Perkins funding can help you update and expand your CTE programs, including things such as buying new equipment, updating curriculum, and incorporating the latest technology so your program can stay up-to-date with industry standards.
Perkins funding is also applicable for covering the costs of professional development, so you and your colleagues can also stay current with industry trends and teaching methods.
Funding can cover costs such as exam fees and additional support services, improving equitable access for students. It ensures that more students, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are set up for success. Programs can use Perkins funding to pay the cost of online certification exams through American Allied Health, eliminating financial barriers and those barriers to equitable access to testing, such as geography and scheduling availability, allowing students to become certified at no cost to them.
Funding can also be used to help establish partnerships with local employers, such as creating opportunities for internships and job placements for your students. Internships and job placements significantly boost a student's job prospects and career growth. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), students with such experiences are about 20-30% more likely to be employed within six months of graduation and often receive higher starting salaries. These opportunities provide valuable practical skills, networking chances, and a competitive edge in the job market. Overall, they enhance employability and accelerate career development.
Why Go After Perkins Funding?
With Perkins funding, you can enhance your existing CTE programs or start new ones, providing your students with the skills and experience needed for successful careers and providing you and your colleagues the training and resources you need to be more effective in the classroom. By reducing financial barriers and providing better resources, you can help more students achieve their career goals.
In short, Perkins funding is a valuable resource that can significantly boost the quality and reach of your CTE programs, directly impacting local employers, towns, communities, and families.
Who Can Get Perkins Funding?
The responsibility for seeking Perkins funding from the federal government is divided between state and local education agencies, such as school districts or community colleges. Both state and local education agencies must complete comprehensive needs assessments and engage stakeholders in the planning process. They must demonstrate how the funds will be used to enhance CTE programs, address the needs of students, and meet the accountability measures.
Here's how it generally works:
State Education Agencies
Each state’s department of education is responsible for overseeing the application process for Perkins funding within their state. The state creates a plan outlining how it will use the funds and ensuring that the federal requirements are met. This plan must be approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
Application and Management:
State Plan Submission: State education agencies (SEAs) are responsible for developing and submitting a comprehensive state plan to the U.S. Department of Education. This plan outlines how the state will use Perkins funds to support Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, including allied health and health sciences programs.
Funding Allocation: SEAs also manage the distribution of Perkins funds to local education agencies within the state. They ensure that funds are allocated according to federal guidelines and state priorities.
Oversight and Reporting:
Monitoring and Reporting: SEAs are required to monitor the use of Perkins funds, collect data on program outcomes, and ensure that local agencies are in compliance with federal requirements. They also report on the effectiveness of the CTE programs to the federal government. AAH’s detailed and immediate exam reporting enables programs to track
Local Education Agencies
Once the state receives its funding, it distributes a portion of the funds to local education agencies, which include public school districts, community colleges, and technical schools. To receive funding, these local agencies must submit local plans to the state.
Local Plan Submission:
Detailed Local Plan Submission: The local education agencies (LEAs), such as school districts and community colleges, have to apply to SEAs for Perkins funds. They must submit detailed local plans that describe how they will use the funds to improve their CTE programs. These plans should align with the state’s overall plan and address local needs.
Implementation and Management of Local Programs:
Local agencies are responsible for implementing the funded programs, including curriculum development, teacher training, testing partnerships such as with AAH for online certification exams, and student support services.
Local agencies are also responsible for collecting program outcomes and student performance data to report to the state education agencies to ensure accountability and compliance with the federal guidelines for Perkins funding.
The Bullet Points:
State education agencies are responsible for handling the initial application for Perkins funding, creating the state plan, and overseeing the distribution and management of funds allocated within their state.
Local education agencies are responsible for applying for their share of the funds from the state, implementing the funded programs, and reporting back to the state on their effectiveness.
The state and local education agencies play a crucial role in ensuring that Perkins funding is effectively utilized to enhance CTE programs and support student success within the state.
In summary, the state's education department applies for and manages the Perkins funds at the state level, while local educational institutions apply to the state for their share of the funds to support their CTE programs.
Where do I Start?
If this is your first time navigating the process of applying for government funding, or even if you’re a seasoned veteran, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to get started. To find detailed step-by-step instructions for creating a state plan or a local plan for Perkins funding, you can refer to several resources:
1. U.S. Department of Education (ED) Website
- Perkins V Guidance: The U.S. Department of Education provides official guidance documents for Perkins V, including instructions for creating state and local plans. These resources are on the Department of Education's Perkins V page.
2. State Education Agency (SEA) Websites
- State Guidelines: Many SEAs provide specific guidelines and templates for developing state and local Perkins plans. Visit your state's Department of Education website or contact them directly for detailed instructions. These documents are often available under career and technical education sections or federal programs.
3. Perkins Technical Assistance Centers
- Technical Assistance Centers: Organizations such as Advance CTE and NACTEI offer resources, tools, and technical assistance for developing Perkins plans. They provide webinars, guides, and templates.
4. Perkins Plan Templates and Examples
- Templates: Some states and educational organizations provide downloadable templates and sample plans to help you create your state and local plans. These can be found on educational resource websites and through Perkins-related conferences or workshops. Contact your state’s Department of Education and inquire about these resources.
5. Professional Associations
- Associations and Networks: Professional organizations like the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) often provide resources, workshops, and best practices for Perkins funding and planning. Take a look at their Perkins Implementation Resources.
An Overview: General Steps for Creating State and Local Plans
For State Plans:
- Conduct a Needs Assessment: Identify the needs and priorities for CTE programs across the state.
- Engage Stakeholders: Involve educators, industry professionals, and community members in the planning process.
- Develop Goals and Objectives: Outline the key goals and objectives for using Perkins funds.
- Create a Budget: Allocate funds to programs and activities based on state priorities.
- Submit Plan for Approval: Prepare and submit the state plan to the U.S. Department of Education for approval.
- Implement and Monitor: Oversee the implementation of the plan and monitor progress.
For Local Plans:
- Assess Local Needs: Evaluate the specific needs of your local educational institutions and students.
- Align with State Plan: Ensure that your local plan aligns with the state plan and addresses local priorities.
- Develop Specific Activities: Outline the specific activities and programs that will be funded.
- Prepare Budget: Create a budget that details how the funds will be used locally.
- Submit to State: Submit the local plan to the state education agency for review and approval.
- Implement and Report: Implement the plan and report outcomes to the state agency.
For the most accurate and updated information, make sure you refer to the specific resources and guidelines provided by your state’s education agency and the U.S. Department of Education.
A Note on Perkins Funding and High School Programs
Perkins funding substantially benefits high school programs by providing critical resources to enhance Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings. With this funding, schools can develop and update curricula, invest in modern technology, and acquire the necessary equipment to ensure students receive cutting-edge training. These improvements create a more engaging and effective learning environment, preparing students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen fields. By strengthening these programs, Perkins funding directly contributes to higher educational quality and better career readiness for students.
Partnering with American Allied Health (AAH) to incorporate online certification testing further amplifies the advantages of Perkins funding. AAH’s online exams provide high school students with a streamlined and accessible pathway to certification, which is crucial for transitioning smoothly into the workforce. The availability of free study resources, immediate exam results, and a free retake option ensures that students are well-prepared and can confidently obtain their certifications. This partnership enables schools to offer valuable credentials that enhance students' employability and align their training with industry standards.
Ultimately, combining Perkins funding with AAH’s certification opportunities equips students to graduate with a recognized certification in hand, ready to enter the workforce. This dual approach accelerates career readiness and opens doors to immediate job opportunities and career advancement. By integrating certification testing into high school CTE programs, schools provide a significant competitive edge for students, empowering them to start their careers early and make a meaningful impact in their professional fields.
Learn more about partnering with AAH to provide online certification for your students on our Partnering With High Schools page.
Remove Barriers and Change Lives
Seeking Perkins funding for your state or local programs can be transformative in enhancing educational and career opportunities for communities. This funding plays a crucial role in overcoming equity barriers by expanding access to high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs for underrepresented and disadvantaged groups.
By leveraging Perkins funding to develop robust, industry-relevant programs and partnering with American Allied Health (AAH) for convenient online certification exams—with free study resources, immediate results, and a free retake—educators can provide students with invaluable credentials and support. This approach not only broadens career prospects but also empowers students to achieve their full potential and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
What Practice Exams Do We Offer?
Each one of our online certifications comes with a free topical study guide and free practice exams. Take a look at our 13 offerings:
- EKG Technician Practice Exam (CET)
- Limited Licensed Radiology Technologist Practice Exam (CLLRT)
- Medical Admin Assistant Practice Exam (CMAA)
- Medical Assistant Practice Exam (RMA(AAH))
- Medical Coder and Biller Practice Exam (CMBC)
- Medical Coding and Billing Specialist Practice Exam (MCBS)
- Optometric Assistant Practice Exam (COA)
- Patient Care Technician Practice Exam (CPCT)
- Pharmacy Technician Practice Exam (CPhT)
- Phlebotomy Technician Practice Exam (CPT(AAH))
- Physical Therapy Aide Practice Exam (CPTA)
- Surgical Technician Practice Exam (NRST)
- Veterinary Assistant Practice Exam (CVA)
Learn more about our Medical Industry Certification Exams.