CTE STUDENT ADVOCACY QUICK REFERENCE PAGE 4 SkillsUSA Texas Student Leaders | Updated September 15, 2026 4 FEDERAL ADVOCACY Perkins Funding Priorities Perkins V is the main federal investment dedicated to CTE. Texas districts build their Perkins plans through a Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment. As SkillsUSA students, we can provide evidence about program quality, access, and student needs before the district decides how to spend these funds. Initiative What is happening now Student advocacy angle Programs of Study Complete course sequences aligned with high skill, high wage, or in demand careers and connected to postsecondary options. Ask for a full pathway with clear entry points, prerequisites, dual credit, credentials, and next steps. Equipment and Technology Current industry equipment, software, instructional materials, maintenance, and safe learning environments when allowed by the grant. Document outdated, unavailable, or insufficient equipment and explain how it limits hands on practice. CTE Educators Recruitment, preparation, professional learning, externships, and other supports that strengthen instructor knowledge and teaching. Ask how the district will fill vacancies and keep instructors current with industry practice. Special Populations and Access Services that improve access and success for students facing barriers, including students with disabilities and students entering fields where their gender is underrepresented. Request accessible equipment, targeted outreach, tutoring, accommodations, and removal of unnecessary fees or prerequisites. Work Based Learning Career exploration, employer engagement, work-based learning, and coordination that connects instruction to the workplace. Request paid placements, transportation, safety preparation, trained supervisors, and written learning goals. Credentials and Transitions Preparation for recognized credentials and stronger transitions from secondary to postsecondary education and employment. Ask whether the credential is portable, stackable, valued by employers, and connected to college credit or apprenticeship. Data and Improvement Program evaluation, outcome tracking, and continuous improvement based on local needs and performance gaps. Ask for student friendly results and a formal role for student feedback. CTSO Integration Leadership and technical skill activities that are part of an approved CTE program and support the local Perkins plan. Show how SkillsUSA chapter activities, leadership training, and skill competitions reinforce classroom and workforce outcomes. QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LOCAL PERKINS PLAN • When will students be invited to help with the district Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment? • How much Perkins funding does the district receive, and which priorities receive those funds? • What evidence shows the spending will improve access, program quality, completion, credentials, or workforce outcomes? • Which campuses or student groups have gaps, and what investment will close them? • How will the district report results to students and the school board? Important: Perkins rules, the approved grant application, and district procedures control each expense. Students should ask the CTE director or grants office to confirm allowability before promising that Perkins can pay a specific cost.