FY2027: Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) Postsecondary Allocation Grant
This grant funds Massachusetts postsecondary institutions to enhance equitable and high-quality Career and Technical Education, focusing on workforce development and bridging secondary-postsecondary pathways.
Funder: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Due Dates: September 23, 2026
Funding Amounts: Formula-based; allocations vary by institution and year—see Allocations & Awards. Typical project period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027.
Summary: Supports Massachusetts postsecondary institutions in strengthening Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs with a focus on equity, workforce development, and closing achievement gaps.
Key Information: Minimum 20% of funds must be used for secondary-postsecondary linkage activities. Community colleges must complete additional ISA paperwork.
Description
This grant, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), provides federal Perkins V funds to eligible postsecondary institutions to improve and expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. The initiative is guided by Massachusetts’s educational vision to ensure equitable opportunities, foster culturally sustaining practices, and promote a sense of belonging for all students—especially those from historically underserved communities.
The program requires intentional use of funds to support at least one of DESE’s strategic objectives: supporting the whole student, promoting deeper learning, and developing a diverse and effective workforce. A key priority is closing achievement gaps on Perkins core indicators of performance, particularly for populations facing chronic unemployment or underemployment.
Applicants must dedicate at least 20% of their allocation to activities that strengthen linkages between secondary and postsecondary education. Funded activities may include career exploration, professional development, integration of academic and technical skills, and program evaluations. All funded programs must align with the Massachusetts Perkins V State Plan and demonstrate compliance with federal and state rules for CTE.
