Perkins V Career & Technical Education
Eligibility
Washington public school districts with approved CTE programs. Funds go to secondary programs (grades 9-12). Postsecondary institutions also receive a portion. Contact your district's CTE director.
Program Goals
Perkins V (Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act) funds CTE programs that prepare students for high-skill, high-wage careers. Washington districts use Perkins V to buy CTE equipment, develop curriculum, train teachers, and build industry-aligned career pathways. CS, coding, and technology CTE programs are explicitly eligible.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
No competitive application required. OSPI allocates Perkins V funds to Washington districts based on CTE enrollment. Districts submit a local plan to OSPI each year. Contact your district's CTE director to learn about the local plan and allowable purchases.
Cycle Notes
Annual formula allocation. Washington districts submit local plans to OSPI outlining how Perkins V funds will be spent. Equipment purchases must align to approved CTE pathways. Review OSPI's Perkins V guidance for current Washington requirements.
Grant Award Amount
Perkins V allocations vary by district CTE enrollment. Districts with larger secondary CTE programs receive more. Contact your district for the current annual allocation.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- Coding for Good Kit - CTE-aligned coding and robotics kit for high school CS and technology pathways. Directly allowable under Perkins V equipment spending.
- CodeCTRL controller with display for micro:bit - Interactive CTE tool for game design, robotics, and technology courses. Approved CTE pathway equipment under Perkins V.
- Forward Education Learning Platform - Career profiles and CTE curriculum aligned to industry pathways. Supports Perkins V requirements for career exploration and work-based learning connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can Perkins V pay for?
Equipment, curriculum, and professional development for approved CTE programs. Technology and coding tools for CS and technology CTE pathways are explicitly allowable.
Does every Washington high school get Perkins V funds?
Funds go to districts with approved CTE programs. Not all schools qualify individually, but most districts with high school CTE programs receive Perkins V funds.
Can Perkins V pay for coding kits?
Yes. Coding and robotics tools that support approved CS or technology CTE pathways are allowable Perkins V equipment purchases.
What is a local plan under Perkins V?
Districts submit an annual local plan to OSPI describing how they will use Perkins V funds to improve CTE programs. Equipment purchases must align to the approved plan.
How do teachers request Perkins V-funded materials?
Talk to your district's CTE director. Purchasing requests go through the district's Perkins V local plan and procurement process.
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 - Washington 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
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
