Perkins Act
The Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act (the Perkins Act) was originally authorized in 1984, and most recently reauthorized in 2006. The purpose of the Perkins Act is to provide individuals with the academic and technical skills needed to succeed in a knowledge- and skills-based economy. The Perkins Act supports career and technical education that prepares its students both for postsecondary education and the careers of their choice. These federal resources help ensure that career and technical programs are academically rigorous and up-to-date with the needs of business and industry.
Perkins Act funds are used for the following types of activities:
- Developing a strong accountability system that ensures quality and results
- Strengthening the integration of academic, career and technical education
- Ensuring access to career and technical education for special populations, including students with disabilities
- Developing and improving curricula
- Purchasing equipment to ensure that the classrooms have the latest technology
- Providing career guidance and academic counseling services
- Providing professional development for teachers
- Administrative Organization