Yes — Perkins V funds can be used for out-of-state travel, but only when it directly benefits a career tech program's quality or student outcomes, such as attending industry conferences, visiting employer sites, or collaborating with training partners across state lines.
How does the geographic context work with Perkins V funding?
Perkins V funding flows through state agencies to local programs nationwide, allowing collaboration across state lines when it supports program quality or student outcomes, such as shared curriculum development or employer partnerships.
Take Montana’s welding program working with an Ohio manufacturer—that’s the kind of cross-state partnership Perkins V was built for. The law doesn’t care about borders as much as results: states get measured on how well they prepare students for real labor markets, whether those jobs are in-state or across the country. Over 12 million students in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories are part of this Perkins-supported network right now.
What are the key funding allocation details?
Perkins V allocates about 64% of funds to secondary CTE programs, 36% to postsecondary CTE programs, and up to 5% for administrative support, with additional funds for special populations
| Funding Allocation Area | Percentage of Total | Purpose |
|---|
| Secondary CTE Programs | 64% | High schools, career academies, dual enrollment with community colleges |
| Postsecondary CTE Programs | 36% | Community colleges, technical schools, apprenticeship partnerships |
| Administrative & Support Services | Up to 5% | Coordination, data tracking, program evaluation |
| Special Populations Support | Varies by state | Targeted services for students with disabilities, English learners, low-income youth, and others |
Where did Perkins funding come from originally?
The Perkins Act originated with the Smith-Hughes Act of 1917 and was later expanded by Representative Carl D. Perkins in 1984, evolving into today’s Perkins V program funding over 12 million students annually.
It all started with the Smith-Hughes Act of 1917, which was pretty revolutionary for its time—vocational education got its first real federal backing, though states had to chip in too. Then in 1984, Representative Carl D. Perkins pushed through legislation creating a $1.2 billion annual fund. That grew into Perkins IV in 2006 and eventually Perkins V in 2018. The big shift? More local control and less federal micromanagement, with a focus on matching training to actual labor needs. Today, it’s still one of the biggest federal investments in career information, covering everything from healthcare to advanced manufacturing.
How can students, parents, or educators actually access these funds?
Students and parents should start with their school or community college’s CTE coordinator or guidance counselor to learn about Perkins-funded programs and travel opportunities, while educators can find details through state education departments and the Perkins Data Explorer tool.
For students, it’s as simple as asking your school about CTE tracks—maybe in IT, healthcare, or trades. Many programs include Perkins-funded internships or trips to industry events. Adult learners should check out short-term credential programs at community colleges, which often use Perkins money for equipment and instructors. Educators can head straight to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education website for funding announcements and deadlines. And here’s a pro tip: the Perkins Data Explorer tool lets you filter spending by state, career cluster, and fiscal year to see exactly where the money goes. If you're considering a career in healthcare, you might also explore whether a CNA is a good career choice for your goals.
Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
