Special Populations
If a salaried position is for a single parent program or a single parent student services specialists, or a disability and/or support services coordinator, can Perkins funds be used to support these positions?
Yes, if these positions are only providing direct services to CTE students who are considered members of a special population and who are enrolled in CTE courses during the semester for which they receive services (they would have been reported in the year-end reporting as either a CTE participant or concentrator)? Documentation would need to be submitted to show how these activities lead students to earning a credential/certificate/degree in an H3 occupational area. Also, remember that Perkins funds can only be used for salaries to support staff for up to 3 years. 100% Year 1, 50% Year 2 and 25% Year 3. See “Salaries and Benefits” in the Perkins Management Guide: Allowable and Non-allowable Uses of Funds.
If accommodations are needed to increase the access to or success in CTE classes for students who are members of a special population (as identified in Perkins V), can consumable materials or basic tools or instructional aids be purchased with Perkins funds?
Yes, however these approvals would need to be done on a case-by-case basis. Districts would need to clarify the access/success barriers for why the materials are being purchased.
Can Perkins funds be used for the postsecondary tuition of students who are members of a special population (as identified in Perkins V)?
Possibly. Perkins V emphasizes finding strategies to mitigate barriers students who are members of a special population may face in accessing or finding success in CTE programs. These approvals would need to be done on a case-by-case basis. Clarification would be needed that details the specific access barrier, how this approach is part of a broader strategy for reducing inequities in CTE, along with other pertinent information as requested.