October 27, 2023

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to release Perkins State Plan memo outlining critical policy levers that states should consider through the Perkins V state planning process.  As we previewed at Advance CTE’s Regional Perkins Meetings this past spring, the memo is organized under four broad policy areas that span: 1) state vision and goals, 2) accountability and data, 3) program quality and alignment, and 4) formula, leadership, and reserve funds.  Each policy area includes specific guidance and examples of states already implementing these policies. 

We encourage state leaders to review this memo as they create and expand policies within their Perkins V state plans to improve the quality of CTE programs and help students earn postsecondary degrees and industry credentials that employers need, and our economy demands. 

This memo accompanies information released in a June 30, 2023 memo that covers technical items like the statutory requirements, procedures, and state plan submission instructions for each eligible agency to receive its fiscal year (FY) 2024 Perkins V grant award.  We are distributing this memo widely, including to Governors and other state education and workforce leaders to support coordination with other key stakeholders and to further the work underway at your organization as you prepare for the submission of FY 2024 Perkin state plan and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) state plan.

The Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education is available to support you in your planning efforts.  Please contact your Perkins Regional Coordinator if you have any questions regarding this memo or the submission requirements and procedures for your state’s FY 2024 Perkins V award.

Best -

Sharon Lee Miller

Director, Division of Academic and Technical Education