Perkins's Grants Shouldn't be Cut

The Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education (CTE) Act provides federal funding, dispersed through each state, to be used in educational facilities. This program was put into action in order to concentrate efforts of high schools and community colleges into developing services, activities, and curriculum that incorporate technical instruction.

April 14, 2011, a fiscal bill was passed that cut funding by $140.2 million for several Perkins programs. This reduction included completely eliminating all funding for CTE programs during the 2011-2012 school year, essentially ending the decades long program.

Cutting the CTE program not only affects students but it also affects businesses, communities, and the future of this country. Career and Technical Education programs are "necessary to rebuild the economy and secure a successful high-skilled workforce." Innovative programs that inspire students to get excited about and excel in different fields will be lost. What will happen when the next generation fails to participate in growing and emerging industries?

As negotiations over the 2012 federal budget begin, we need to fight for the Perkins programs, as well as for oher educational support programs, so that CTE programs aren't lost in the economic shuffle.





Jamie. "Congress Cuts Perkins." ACTE Online. 14 Apr. 2011. Web. 19 Apr. 2011. .
"Perkins Grant." CSN - Home. Web. 20 Apr. 2011. .