Overview of Perkins Funding for CTSO Activities
Perkins V funds are intended to support and enhance CTE programs by providing financial assistance for activities that improve student outcomes in technical education and leadership development. As TPSA fosters skills in public safety, a field covered under CTE, Perkins funds can be applied to TPSA-related expenses that meet these objectives. Advisors are encouraged to consult and plan well in advance with their district to be included in the Perkins grant application process for future years.
Perkins funds must supplement, not replace, existing funding sources. If your school has used state funds in the past to cover certain TPSA-related expenses, Perkins funds cannot replace those but can be used to cover additional or new expenses.
Membership Fees
Perkins funds may be used to cover TPSA chapter membership or affiliation fees, provided these fees benefit all students enrolled in a Law, Public Safety (LPS) course at the school.
“Affiliation fees that an LEA or fiscal agent pays to affiliate eligible career and technical education (CTE) students with a related career and technical student organization (CTSO) provided that the fee benefits all CTE students who are eligible to participate in the organization.” - 2024-2025 Program Guidelines.
Student Conference Costs
Perkins funds may be used to cover student travel costs and registration fees for TPSA regional and state conferences. These activities provide leadership development opportunities that align with the broader goals of CTE programs, such as preparing students for careers in public safety sectors.
“Travel for students, including travel and/or registration fees for students to attend CTSO leadership activities. LEAs must be careful not to supplant CTSO related travel costs if State funds have been used to pay for travel in the prior year.” - 2024-2025 Program Guidelines.
Advisor Conference Costs
Perkins funds may be used to cover travel expenses for advisors (teachers) attending conferences for professional development or when accompanying students to leadership events above the local district level. This includes transportation, lodging, and related expenses.
“Allowable travel expenses including travel for professional development for both academic and CTE teachers providing instruction to students who are enrolled in CTE programs; travel for staff accompanying students attending CTE student leadership activities above the local district level;” - 2024-2025 Program Guidelines.