Perkins V: Career and Technical Education
Eligibility
California school districts and community colleges that offer approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways are eligible. Funds are distributed through the California Department of Education and the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office. Secondary schools must deliver CTE courses aligned to state-approved pathways to qualify.
- Eligible: California public secondary schools with approved CTE pathways
- Districts must submit a local plan to CDE outlining their CTE program design
- Priority populations include students with disabilities, English learners, and economically disadvantaged students
- Programs must demonstrate connections to postsecondary education and the workforce
Program Goals
Perkins V (the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act) funds CTE programs across the United States. The law emphasizes integration of academic and technical skills, alignment to high-skill and high-wage careers, and serving students from special populations.
California's CTE pathways include Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, and Information and Communication Technologies sectors — all strong fits for physical computing and AI literacy tools.
Application and Distribution
California receives its Perkins V allocation each year through a formula based on student population. Funds flow from CDE to local educational agencies. Districts access funding by submitting an approved local plan. No separate competitive application is required at the district level — it is formula-based.
Grant Award Amount
The national Perkins V appropriation is approximately $1.3 billion per year. California receives more than $90 million annually. District-level allocations vary based on enrollment and the number of students from special populations. Districts can see their specific allocations in the CDE grant management portal.
Allowable Purchases
CTE Equipment and Curriculum Purchases
Perkins V funds can be used for equipment, materials, curriculum, and professional development that supports CTE program quality. Technology tools that prepare students for computing and technology careers are strong eligible uses.
-
micro:bit Classroom Kits
Hands-on physical computing kits that align to CTE pathways in Computer Science, Engineering, and Information Technology. Give students career-relevant hardware experience. -
MicroChat AI Literacy Kit
Introduces AI concepts with hands-on activities. Prepares students for technology careers in an economy where AI literacy is increasingly essential. -
Coding for Good Kit
Project-based learning connecting coding to real-world applications and careers. Strong fit for CTE pathways emphasizing applied technology skills.
Keep in Mind
Purchases must connect to an approved CTE pathway. Make sure your micro:bit or coding tools are documented as part of a specific pathway like Computer Science or Engineering.
Your district's Perkins local plan outlines how funds will be used. Work with your CTE coordinator to ensure new tools are included in the plan before purchasing.
Perkins V requires data on how funds serve students with disabilities, English learners, and low-income students. Physical computing tools that are accessible to all learners strengthen your program's compliance story.
Perkins programs are stronger when they have articulation agreements with community colleges. Ask Forward Education about alignment to community college computer science coursework.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Perkins V funding in California?
California school districts and community colleges with approved CTE pathways are eligible. Funds flow through the California Department of Education. Secondary schools must offer CTE courses aligned to state-approved pathways.
How much does California receive from Perkins V each year?
California receives more than $90 million annually from the $1.3 billion national Perkins V appropriation. District allocations vary based on enrollment and the number of students from special populations.
Can Perkins V funds be used to buy coding and STEM tools?
Yes. Equipment, materials, and curriculum that supports CTE program quality in pathways like Computer Science, Engineering, and IT are eligible. Physical computing kits and AI literacy tools qualify when documented as part of an approved CTE pathway.
Do schools need to apply for Perkins V funding?
No competitive application is required at the district level. It is a formula grant. Districts access funding by submitting an approved local CTE plan to CDE.
What CTE pathways qualify for Perkins V in California?
California's Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, and Information and Communication Technologies pathways are all strong fits. Programs must connect to high-skill and high-wage career opportunities.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents — TEKS, Common Core, and state standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines
Explore more California funding resources
View all California AI & CS grants →Download the Forward Education Grant Guide
Our grant guide helps educators find the right funding sources and build strong applications for STEM and coding programs.
Get the Grant Guide
