Rachel Steil
Educational Consultant
Navigating through the complex world of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Perkins can sometimes be intimidating and scary. However, the financial benefit to districts is worth some short-term pain to access grant and levy dollars associated with CTE-certified staff and programs.
Research shows students who participate in CTE courses and programs are more likely to graduate from high school and enroll in college than students who do not participate in CTE programs. This alone should be a good reason schools should expand CTE opportunities for students. However, this is only one of several reasons districts should consider taking advantage of this financial benefit.
Staff members who undergo the CTE certification process will be able to apply for Perkins grant funding each year to help augment their course consumables, as well as provide dollars to help their programs grow and stay current with industry-standard equipment.
In addition, districts are able to get reimbursed for all consumable supplies for each CTE staff at up to 30%. This savings can help CTE courses stay current and continue to keep pace with labor market skills and demands.
In addition to the Perkins grant funds, districts also benefit by earning levy dollars for each staff member who teaches a CTE class. The district is able to recoup 35% of each staff member’s salary for each hour of the day he or she teaches a CTE course.
Students understand how the skills they develop in these courses translate to careers and collegiate programs beyond high school.
There are so many other benefits to implementing CTE programs beyond monetary rewards. Students in CTE courses are exposed to college and career readiness skills and education. Students understand how the skills they develop in these courses translate to careers and collegiate programs beyond high school.
Another advantage of expanding CTE is the community partnerships developed through Advisory Boards. These mutually beneficial relationships ensure schools have the support they need, and employers help shape their future workforce.
While the initial commitment to ensure all eligible programs have CTE-certified staff is an undertaking, the financial and academic rewards are great.
