CTE ADVISOR DISCUSSION + PREPARATION GUIDE PAGE 5 5 PREPARING THE ADVOCACY DISCUSSION Match the Request to the Decision Maker Keep the first meeting focused on one main request and one secondary request. REQUEST + DECISION MAKER Audience Decisions they influence Strong student requests Federal Perkins appropriations and oversight, student aid, apprenticeships, workforce policy, and federal program administration. Stable or increased Perkins funding, CTSO support within high-quality CTE, paid work- based learning, accessible apprenticeships, and clear outcome reporting. Texas State budget and law, CTE weighted funding, credentials and accountability, teacher policy, statewide pathways, transportation, and agency rules. Recurring CTSO support, equipment and transportation funding, educator recruitment, rural access, paid work-based learning, and credentials with employer value. Local district Programs offered, scheduling, staffing, equipment, Perkins local planning, student fees, transportation, chapter budgets, and employer partnerships. Complete programs of study, public access and outcome data, a predictable CTSO budget, paid placements, removal of student costs, and student input. Employer or partner Mentors, equipment, instructors, workplace visits, internships, apprenticeships, scholarships, and hiring feedback. Paid structured placements, trained supervisors, current equipment or expertise, and multi-year partnership commitments. PERKINS + CTSO COACHING POINTS •Connect Perkins funding to visible program needs: instructors, equipment, technology, special population supports, work-based learning, credentials, career guidance, and program improvement. •Local Perkins spending must follow the approved application, Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment, grant rules, and district procedures. Students should ask before claiming a specific cost is allowable. •Treat CTSO participation as part of instruction and workforce preparation. Students can advocate for advisor time, leadership development, competitions, materials, travel, accessibility, and rural access. •Ask leaders to identify a dependable state, district, school, partner, or philanthropic source for necessary CTSO costs that Perkins cannot cover. QUESTIONS THAT SHARPEN THE REQUEST •What exact action are we asking for, and does this person have the authority to take it? •What student experience and verified local fact show why the request matters? •How would the request improve student access or outcomes? •What will we ask if the answer is “not now”? SkillsUSA Texas Advisors | Updated September 15, 2026