OCTAE Program Memorandum 25-1: Supporting Tribal Nations and Promoting Access to Funding with Perkins V Formula Subgrants

Overview & Synopsis

This Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) intends to clarify eligibility for Perkins V formula subgrants and provides technical assistance for State engagement with Tribes through Tribal consultation. For 47 years, the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins V) and its predecessors have authorized competitive grants to assist Tribes, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), and other entities that predominantly serve Native American and Alaska Native students to support career and technical education (CTE) through the Native American Career and Technical Education Program. Perkins V also provides support for Native students through formula program subgrants at both the postsecondary and secondary levels. However, it is likely that these opportunities may be underutilized due to formula distribution models. This DCL clarifies how Perkins V formula funding can be used to provide subgrants to Tribal Nations, TCCUs, Tribal organizations, and U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)-funded schools; and it provides models for more expansive engagement between States and Tribal Nations.