Perkins State Leadership Grants
Cycle – Fiscal Year 2026
Overview
State Leadership grants
State Leadership Grant projects are designed to inform and improve Career and Technical Education (CTE) Basic Grant activities. These activities develop more fully the academic knowledge and technical and employability skills of postsecondary education students who enroll in CTE programs of study. (Perkins V Section 112(a)(2) and Section 124)
These grants are awarded on a competitive basis to eligible two-year, public postsecondary institutions in the state of Texas.
Grant projects must adhere to the provisions set forth in the Leadership Grant request for applications (RFA); clearly support the criteria, goals, and objectives presented in Section 10 of the RFA; and use funds received to improve career and technical education programs as described in Title I, Section 124 of the Perkins Act.
Goal: Advance the goals of Building a Talent Strong Texas through high-quality, evidence-based projects originating from the creativity, ingenuity, and expertise of community and technical college CTE educators in Texas.
Three Grant Proposal Categories:
Emerging and Current High–Demand Credentials
This proposal category of funding aligns with Perkins V Section 124’s focus on developing programs that prepare students for high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand occupations. It aligns with Texas House Bill 8 from the 88th Legislature, a community college finance model to recognize emerging occupations that are of statewide importance as demonstrated by legislative action and supported by state appropriations. Additionally, this category supports the development of statewide programs of study, including curriculum development.
Recruitment and Retention of CTE Educators in Postsecondary Education
This proposal category is responsive to one of the required uses of State Leadership funds under Perkins V Section 124, which includes “recruiting, preparing, or retaining of CTE teachers, faculty, specialized instructional support personnel, or paraprofessionals.” The focus on innovative strategies and professional development aligns with the law’s emphasis on supporting CTE educators.
Prison Education – Preparing for Reentry
This category of funding aligns with Perkins V Section 124’s provision for supporting “individuals in state institutions, such as state correctional institutions, including juvenile justice facilities.” It is also responsive to the permissible use of funds for supporting “career and technical education programs for adults and out-of-school youth concurrent with their completion of their secondary school education.
Texas Evidence-Based Webinar with Texas Workforce Commission
Program Information and Forms
RFA Application Information
Contact
Please direct inquiries regarding the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act to Dr. Audra Patridge.
Please direct inquiries concerning communications, amendments, and questions related to the State Leadership Program to Erin Sarbinoff.