Can career tech training funds travel out of state?
Yes, Perkins V funds can support out-of-state travel for career tech programs, but only under specific conditions tied to program quality and student outcomes.
How does the geographic context work with Perkins V funding?
Perkins V creates a nationwide web of CTE programs that aren’t stuck within state borders. Federal money flows through state agencies to local schools and workforce boards—connecting everything from Montana welding programs to New York City tech centers. The whole point? Matching training to what local economies actually need, whether that’s healthcare pathways in Arizona or advanced manufacturing in Ohio.
What are the key funding allocation details?
| Funding Allocation Area | Percentage of Total | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary CTE Programs | 64% | High schools, career academies, dual enrollment with community colleges |
| Postsecondary CTE Programs | 36% | Community colleges, technical schools, apprenticeship partnerships |
| Administrative & Support Services | Up to 5% | Coordination, data tracking, program evaluation |
| Special Populations Support | Varies by state | Targeted services for students with disabilities, English learners, low-income youth, and others |
Where did Perkins funding come from originally?
The Perkins Act started with the Smith-Hughes Act of 1917, America’s first big federal education funding push. That law created the Federal Board of Vocational Education and set up matching funds—states had to chip in too. Then in 1984, Representative Carl D. Perkins pushed through a major update, establishing a $1.2 billion annual fund. The 2006 version (Perkins IV) added performance accountability; by 2018’s Perkins V, Congress loosened some rigid targets to let states adapt to local labor needs. Today, over 12 million students use Perkins-supported CTE programs every year.
Here’s something most people miss: up to 5% of Perkins funds can cover indirect costs like grant manager salaries or outcome-tracking software. It’s not flashy, but without it, the whole system would collapse. I once visited a rural welding program in West Virginia that used Perkins money for both equipment and a part-time coordinator. Without that support, the program would’ve folded.
How can students, parents, or educators actually access these funds?
If you’re looking to use Perkins-funded resources, start here:
- High School Students: Talk to your guidance counselor about CTE tracks in IT, healthcare, or advanced manufacturing. Many schools team up with local employers for paid internships.
- Adult Learners: Community colleges often use Perkins money for short-term credential programs. Look for “stackable certificates” that can ladder up to associate degrees.
- Educators: State education departments (like the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education) post annual funding breakdowns and application deadlines.
As of 2026, the Perkins Data Explorer tool lets you pull custom reports on how funds get spent in each state. Curious how much Georgia spent on agriculture CTE last year? You can filter by career cluster and fiscal year. It’s not exactly a travel guide—but for anyone who wants to track career training dollars, it’s pretty close.
