From Federal Funds to Student Success: Maximizing Perkins Allocations through Comprehensive Local Needs Assessments (CLNAs)

The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, known as Perkins V, provides vital resources for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. To ensure effective use of these funds, schools must navigate a structured allocation process and implement Comprehensive Local Needs Assessments (CLNAs). Here’s how districts and educators can make Perkins dollars work for students.

The Flow of Perkins Funding

Perkins funding is designed to cascade effectively from federal to local hands, ultimately benefiting students in the classroom. The process involves three key steps:

1. Federal Allocation to State Agencies Funds are distributed to states based on population and economic data. States submit five-year plans to align funding with local workforce needs and federal goals.
2. State Agencies to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) States allocate funds to LEAs, postsecondary institutions, or consortia, reserving up to 15% for targeted initiatives.
3. LEAs to Schools and CTE Programs At the district level, administrators allocate funds based on local priorities identified through CLNAs. These allocations focus on addressing equity gaps and improving program quality.

The Role of CLNAs: Closing the Skills Gap

The introduction of CLNAs under Perkins V is a game-changer, ensuring that funds target local economic needs while addressing equity concerns.

• State Responsibilities States guide districts by providing templates, actionable labor market data, and professional development to ensure compliance and consistency.
• District Implementation Districts analyze performance data, engage stakeholders, and prioritize funding to address critical gaps. Engaging industry leaders, educators, and community members ensures programs reflect local workforce demands.

Tips for Effective CLNAs

To maximize the impact of CLNAs:

• Involve Diverse Stakeholders: Engage representatives from education, business, and community organizations for comprehensive input.
• Use Data Effectively: Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to identify programming gaps.
• Prioritize Equity: Focus on removing barriers for underserved populations.
• Commit to Continuous Improvement: Treat CLNAs as a dynamic process that evolves with economic demands.

Efficient allocation of Perkins funds, guided by CLNAs, ensures that students access high-quality CTE programs aligned with the needs of today’s workforce. When done right, this process transforms funding into tangible outcomes like updated equipment, certifications, and career opportunities.

Vector Solutions’ Powerful Career and Technical Education Solutions

Vector Solutions’ Career & Technical Education (CTE) Suite helps schools, districts, and CTE centers overcome common challenges such as burdensome administrative work, lack of student engagement, and difficulty showing program effectiveness. Additionally, it helps prepare students for their future workplace.

All-In-One Work-Based Learning Platform

The Vector Pathways platform helps schools and career centers create more work-based learning experiences through streamlined workflows, business partner engagement, and digital experience tracking.

• Simplify & Digitize Your WBL Program 

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• Track WBL Program Metrics & Data to Drive Decision Making 

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Career & Technical Education Training for Students

Vector’s CTE Training provides students with essential skills for safe and effective learning in the classroom and workplace, enhancing employability with critical workplace skills and industry-recognized credentials.

• Integrate Comprehensive Offerings into Your Existing Curriculum 

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• Help Students Earn Industry-Recognized Credentials