Carl D. Perkins is a federal grant that provides funds for approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. In Minnesota, funds are distributed on the basis of state-approved career and technical education programs and appropriate teacher licensure. Programs are administered under Minnesota Rules Chapter 3505 and the federal Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act.

Funds are granted to districts and consortia of districts on a formula basis and can be used in CTE programs for professional development, to promote student attainment of academic and technical skills, upgrading of equipment, school- and work-based experiences, and career counseling and guidance. Program descriptions for CTE program areas are available below. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has developed self-assessment tools and program approval processes to provide continuous improvement in CTE programs. MDE also collects annual program data to provide support to districts for program improvement and growth.

Transition-disabled programs are designed for students who require curriculum modifications and other supplemental services to participate in CTE programs. A student selected for this program must meet the state definition of child with a disability (Minn. Stat. § 125A.02).  Select the link to the Career and Tecnical Education Levy page to view the transition-disabled reporting manual and forms used to request program approval, funding for necessary equipment, and funding for contracted services related to transition-disabled programs.

Perkins IV. On August 12, 2006, President Bush signed the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006. The Act is authorized through 2012 and requires more accountability and a stronger focus on secondary and postsecondary linkages, academic and technical integration, and links with business and industry.  The Minnesota Department of Education in partnership with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) has created a unified state plan for implementation of Perkins IV Grant. MnSCU is hosting the Perkins IV website where users can find the guide to local plan transition year development, a joint local application and an operational handbook. Visit the MnSCU Perkins IV website and select “Forms” for more information.

Document Download:

• Career and Technical Education Program Approvals Database 2007-2012 
  This Career and Technical Education (CTE) report identifies programs approved under Minnesota Rules, Chapter 3505.2500. This report includes programs approved from 2007 through April 2012.
• Secondary Career and Technical Education Program Approval Proposal for Youth with Disabilities 
  This program approval proposal may be completed and submitted to Adult and Career Education at any time during the school year. The proposal will be reviewed by Minnesota State Rules and you will be notified of action taken.
• Secondary Career and Technical Education Program Approval Proposal 
  This Program Approval Proposal may be completed and submitted to Adult and Career Education at any time during the school year. The proposal will be reviewed by Minnesota State Rules and you will be notified of action taken.
• Secondary Career and Technical Education Transition Disabled Equipment Approval Request. 
  This application provides for necessary equipment to develop occupational competencies in an approved instructional program for students with disabilities.
• Transition Disabled Contracted Services Approval Request Form 
  Complete this report when funding is being requested for contracted services associated with a career and technical education (CTE) program for students with disabilities.
• CTE Program Approval Worksheet 
  Worksheet for CTE program approvals for master list of courses.
• Table of Career and Technical Education Program and Licenses (Table C) 
  Database to be used for Career and Technical Education program approvals and data collection.