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Press Release: Alliance Applauds Renewal of a More Modern Perkins Fund

August 3, 2018 | Linked Learning Alliance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 3, 2018

Hilary McLean, Executive Vice President | E: hilary@linkedlearning.org

Alliance applauds renewal of a more modern Perkins Fund

The Learning Learning Alliance applauds the reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Act, an important funding source for the Linked Learning field working to ensure high quality pathway implementation. The legislation signed by President Trump on Tuesday provides $1.2 billion in annual funding for public career and technical education (CTE) programs, adding updates that reflect innovative approaches being implemented across the country.

“It is great news that the federal government has renewed its commitment to support high quality CTE for students nationwide,” said Anne B. Stanton, President of the Linked Learning Alliance. “Perkins provides critical resources to support most Linked Learning pathways and a modernized version will help schools give students better access to quality programs that better prepare them for success in both college and career.

“We welcome the funding stability, and are encouraged to see significant support for dual enrollment, work-based learning, and partnerships with employers and postsecondary institutions. High quality Linked Learning pathways helped to inspire these improvements which will more effectively support young people to meet the challenges of the future of work.”

Linked Learning was recognized in 2015 by the White House and the U.S Department of Education as a promising practice that empowers students to develop workforce ready technical skills while meeting university entry requirements.

The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, the legislation that reauthorized Perkins for the first time since 2006, updates and addresses various challenges encountered by the program over the past decade. The reauthorization strengthens alignment to WIOA — the federal framework used for many workforce development programs. The bill also clarifies definitions for work-based learning and qualified intermediaries, adds a dual enrollment provision, and focuses directions for data collection on outcomes for students enrolled in these programs.

In a shift from past Perkins requirements, states will not have to negotiate implementation goals with the U.S. Secretary of Education upon submission of their state plans. Despite this, states will still need to develop plans to establish program goals contextualized with their respective accountability frameworks.

The reauthorized funding goes into effect July 1, 2019.

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About Linked Learning Alliance

The Linked Learning Alliance is a statewide coalition of education, industry, and community organizations dedicated to improving California’s high schools and preparing students for success in college, career, and life. Established in May 2008, the Linked Learning Alliance aims to build a collective voice and coordinate efforts to expand access to Linked Learning in California-an approach to high school that integrates rigorous academics with real-world learning opportunities in fields of engineering, health care, performing arts, law, and more. | www.linkedlearning.org