November 9, 2024 4 min read
Maximizing Perkins Funds: Strategies for High-Impact Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs
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Best Practices: Leveraging Perkins Funds
Perkins funding is the lifeblood of CTE programs, empowering districts to create innovative opportunities for students. With a strategic approach, schools can turn federal dollars into meaningful outcomes that prepare students for high-demand careers. Explore the best practices below for leveraging Perkins funds effectively.
1. Expand Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students thrive when they can connect classroom learning with real-world experience. Perkins funds can support internships, apprenticeships, and other hands-on opportunities.
Example: Career Launch Chicago blends high school and college coursework with paid apprenticeships in fields like advanced manufacturing and IT, offering students practical exposure alongside academic learning.
2. Support Industry-Recognized Certifications
Certifications aligned with industry needs make students job-ready upon graduation. By covering certification costs, schools ensure accessibility for all students.
Example: Texas reimburses secondary institutions for certifications earned by students, incentivizing programs to prioritize credentials that meet state workforce demands.
3. Embrace Innovative Technology
Technology transforms CTE delivery through tools like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and online certification platforms. These innovations enhance learning experiences and expand access.
Example: Kern Community College District deploys a mobile VR lab, bringing advanced training in cybersecurity and physiology directly to students in remote areas.
4. Prioritize Teacher Recruitment and Retention
A robust CTE program requires skilled educators. Perkins funds can support recruitment, professional development, and retention strategies to address teacher shortages.
Example: Virginia’s New Teacher Institute equips educators with essential tools and mentorship, ensuring they are prepared to lead engaging and effective CTE classrooms.
5. Embed Career Readiness Skills
Soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are critical for workforce success. Integrating these skills into CTE curricula ensures students are well-rounded and prepared for diverse careers.
Example: MHA Labs partners with over 1,000 schools to deliver tailored programs that develop 21st-century skills.
6. Foster Collaboration through Dual Enrollment and Consortia
Collaborations between districts and postsecondary institutions expand access to advanced coursework and facilities.
Example: Rhode Island’s exclusive focus on transcripted credit ensures students can seamlessly transfer college credits across institutions, reducing barriers to higher education.
Why These Strategies Matter
Perkins funds are a catalyst for innovation, but their impact depends on thoughtful implementation. By prioritizing work-based learning, technology, and collaboration, schools can create transformative CTE programs that prepare students for a dynamic workforce.
Free Downloadable Guide
For additional strategies and insights into Perkins Funding, explore Vector Solutions' guide: Perkins Funding: Effective Strategies for Maximizing Impact on Your CTE Program guide
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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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- Increase Student Engagement & Demonstrate Career Readiness
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
- Provide a Safe & Health CTE Learning Environment
- Enhance Workplace Readiness
- Help Students Earn Industry-Recognized Credentials
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The Vector Pathways work-based learning platform, enables schools, districts, and CTE centers to create more work-based learning experiences for students through streamlined workflows, business partner engagement, and experience tracking. To learn more about Vector Pathways, schedule a demo.
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