Perkins Vocational Grants
The high unemployment rate that followed the economic downturn of the late 2000s helped refocus the educational spotlight on vocational and technical training. Older workers and younger workers who are not suited for or interested in the traditional collegiate environment are the most common students of vocational/technical schools. These schools provide skills and knowledge to advance in a career and earn a better living. Several grant programs focus specifically on this type of education. One of the most oldest programs for vocational/technical education is the Perkins vocational grant.
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History
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The Carl D. Perkins Act is named for Carl D. Perkins of Kentucky, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1949 to 1984. During his time in office, he was instrumental in promoting and expanding educational opportunities for America's youth, particularly disadvantaged youth. Perkins was a major force behind the Vocational Education Act of 1963, along with its 1968 and 1976 amendments. This act expanded public funding of vocational education to include high school and post-secondary students, high school dropouts, workforce retraining, academically and economically challenged students and disabled students. It also provided funding for vocational guidance, vocational school construction and vocational teacher education. When the act was up for amendment again in 1984, Congress renamed it to honor Perkins, who died earlier that year.
Current Legislation
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Since 1984, Congress has amended the act several times, most recently in 2006 as the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act. This version encourages the development of more relevant coursework combined with practical instruction. The act also promotes professional development of career and technical education, or CTE, students, including job search skills, interview preparation, professional behavior and professional responsibility. An additional focus is increased student professional guidance by teachers.
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Function
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Perkins grant money does not go directly to students, as many other educational grants, such as the Pell grant, do. States and local governments are the direct recipients of this funding. State and local governments can use the grant money to fund a variety of initiatives. Middle school students can receive career options education that teaches about nontraditional career choices along with technical instruction. High school students can attend classes in vocational and technical skills, whether offered in a traditional high school setting or at a separate campus dedicated to CTE programs. Post-secondary technical education institutions may receive state or local support, using Perkins grant money, as well as support programs that allow more residents to take part in CTE programs, such as child care and transportation.
Grant Amounts
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The Perkins vocational grant program has provided billions of dollars over its history. According to the United Sates Department of Education, in 2010, more than $1.14 billion dollars in grant money was awarded to states across the country, as well as to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam and the Republic of Palau. Overall, 57 awards were made for amounts between $58,862 and $127,991,502.
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References
- U.S. Department of Education: The Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act
- U.S. Department of Education: Perkins State Basic Grants -- Funding Status
- Virginia Tech: Journal of Industrial Teacher Education
- Center for Higher Education Support Services: Carl Dewey Perkins
- PAVTEC: Allowable Use of Perkins Funds
- Photo Credit technical elements image by pdtnc from Fotolia.com
