Perkins V CTE Funding (via Education for Employment Systems)
Eligibility
Illinois public school districts with approved CTE programs receive Perkins V formula funds through their regional EFE system. All eligible LEAs receive formula allocations based on CTE enrollment data. Schools do not apply competitively for formula funds — they work with their regional EFE system to develop annual CTE plans.
Program Goals
Illinois's Perkins V Career and Technical Education Act funds are distributed through 40 regional Education for Employment (EFE) CTE systems, which coordinate CTE program planning and funding across Illinois high schools. Formula funds support CTE equipment acquisition, curriculum development, teacher professional development, and work-based learning. All Illinois districts with approved CTE programs receive annual allocations.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Perkins V formula funds are not competitively applied for. Districts work with their regional EFE system to develop annual CTE plans (local applications) that determine how funds are used. Contact your regional EFE CTE coordinator to understand the local planning process and how to access Perkins funds for equipment and curriculum.
Cycle Notes
Perkins V is an annual formula program. FY2026 local needs assessments were due April 30, 2026. For FY2027, contact your regional EFE CTE system coordinator early in the school year to participate in the planning process. Visit isbe.net/carl-perkins for guidance documents.
Grant Award Amount
Individual district allocations vary by CTE enrollment. Statewide Illinois Perkins V allocations are tens of millions of dollars annually distributed through regional EFE systems to secondary CTE programs.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- micro:bit Starter Kit — physical computing for Perkins V-funded Illinois CTE technology programs
- MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — AI and data science tools for Perkins-funded technology pathways
- Coding for Good Kit — project-based CS curriculum for Perkins V CTE program development
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Perkins V CTE funds in Illinois?
Illinois public school districts with approved CTE programs receive formula funds through their regional EFE system.
How much funding is available through Illinois Perkins V?
Statewide allocations are tens of millions of dollars distributed through regional EFE systems. Individual district amounts depend on CTE enrollment.
Can Perkins V funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. Perkins V funds can support hands-on STEM materials, physical computing kits, and coding curriculum when they align to the program's stated goals. Document alignment to program objectives before purchasing.
How do Illinois schools access Perkins V funds?
Contact your regional EFE CTE coordinator. Funds are accessed through the annual local CTE planning process, not competitive applications.
How can Forward Education help with Perkins V funding?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for Illinois schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes Perkins V funds. Contact us before submitting your application.
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 — Illinois 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 Illinois funding resources
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