Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V)
The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act reauthorizes the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins) and is referred to as Perkins V.
Perkins V aims to increase access to high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that meet the changing needs of students and employers.
Perkins V gives states and local communities the opportunity to build and implement a vision for CTE that uniquely supports the range of educational needs of students — exploration through career preparation — and balances those student needs with the current and emerging needs of the economy.
CTE is an educational option that provides learners with the knowledge and skills they need to be prepared for college and careers. CTE gives purpose to learning by emphasizing real-world skills and practical knowledge within a selected career focus.
Learners in CTE programs take specialized courses, in addition to required courses, and often have the opportunity to participate in internships, engage with mentors and practice what they are learning through hands-on projects. Learners can participate in CTE at the middle and high school level and at postsecondary institutions in every community in Mississippi.