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Perkins V changes could alter which CTE programs get state funding, official tells council
Summary
Dr. Michelle Aldrich briefed the council on Perkins V state‑plan changes: Perkins V is no longer an entitlement, requires local needs assessments and stricter concentrator/program definitions, and sets performance indicators that could shift funding eligibility for some programs and districts.
Dr. Michelle Aldrich told the Wyoming Workforce Development Council that Perkins V (the current federal CTE state‑plan framework) imposes new program definitions and accountability that could affect what programs and districts are eligible for Perkins funding.
"Perkins 5 is no longer an entitlement program," Aldrich said, explaining the program now requires districts and community colleges to complete a local needs assessment every two years and to define concentrators and programs of study more narrowly. Under Wyoming’s current approach, a concentrator is a student who completes two CTE courses; a possible federal recommendation under review would define a concentrator by credit units rather than course counts, a change Aldrich said could reduce the number of concentrators and therefore a district’s Perkins funding eligibility.
Aldrich outlined other Perkins requirements that the state plan must satisfy: program‑of‑study minimums (three courses), advisory committees, alignment with industry‑recognized credentials or other selected state indicators, and professional‑development and instructor qualification standards. She noted some districts and teachers lack opportunities to offer concurrent enrollment or meet strict faculty‑qualification rules, and staff are monitoring a pending Higher Learning Commission revision that may affect faculty qualification pathways.
The proposed state‑plan schedule calls for continued listening sessions through September and October, state board review in November and a public‑comment period in January–February 2024, with final federal submission and changes taking effect July 1, 2024. Aldrich urged council members to consider how an updated in‑demand occupations list could interact with Perkins definitions and local program eligibility.
Why it matters Perkins V determines which secondary and postsecondary CTE programs can be supported with federal funds and sets performance goals the state must meet. Changes to concentrator definitions or the state’s chosen performance indicators (industry credentials, work‑based learning, or dual enrollment) could shift funding and reporting requirements for districts and community colleges across Wyoming.
What the council will do next DWS and K‑12/postsecondary partners will continue listing sessions and collect public feedback. The State Board of CTE will review the proposed state plan in November before public comment. Council members were encouraged to share local perspectives about program size and equity during the next round of outreach.
