Perkins V
The Perkins grant program, named after former Rep. Carl D. Perkins, D-Ky., is the primary source of state and local funding for career and technical education (CTE) programs from the U.S .Department of Education. “Perkins V” is the nickname for the re-authorization of the funding in 2018; the previous version “Perkins IV” was authorized in 2006.
CTE programs are commonly referred to as workforce programs, including Associate in Science degrees, college-credit certificates, industry certifications, and Career Certificates formerly known as Postsecondary Adult Vocational (PSAV) certificates. They do not include the Associate in Arts degree (designed for transfer), or any bachelor’s degrees. At Seminole State, Perkins funds have historically paid for CTE program expenses such as equipment and supplies, personnel and professional development. The College is awarded approximately $800,000 each year.
Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment
Under Perkins V, a new Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA) must be performed involving an analysis of student enrollment and graduation data, as well as consultation with a variety of internal and external stakeholder groups. Stakeholder feedback is critical to informing Seminole State so that it can plan the future direction and quality of its CTE programs. As opposed to historical attempts to obtain and apply input which may have been more sporadic and inconsistent, Seminole State is committed to sustaining this new organized and transparent engagement process.
Stakeholders include CTE administrators, faculty, staff, students and parents, as well as industry and community organizations. Student stakeholders include targeted special populations: individuals with disabilities; individuals from economically disadvantaged families; individuals preparing for non-traditional fields; single parents, including single pregnant women; out-of-workforce individuals; English learners; homeless individuals; youth who are in, or have aged out of, the foster care system; and youth with parents on active duty in the armed forces.
What does this have to do with me?
As a faculty member, student, parent, potential employer, staff member or community advocate, you have been pre-identified as a Perkins V stakeholder – someone who individually or as a representative of an organization cares about Seminole State’s success in enrolling and graduating students in one or more of its CTE programs. Perkins grant funding is an important part of the many educational resources that are available to support the cost of CTE programs. Since funding is inherently limited, the stakeholder voice will help Seminole State prioritize and plan future Perkins spending.