FY26 Funding for Perkins Finalized
This week, Congress completed action on the fiscal year (FY) 2026 appropriations package, with House lawmakers passing a previously approved Senate proposal and President Trump signing the newly amended measure into law. The move resolves a short partial government shutdown that began last Friday.
The Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS-ED) funding measure provides roughly $79 billion in discretionary funding for the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and largely rejects many of the deep cuts or program eliminations proposed earlier in this process. For Career Technical Education (CTE), the FY26 appropriations package maintains current levels of federal investment for the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V) state grant program.
Read more about the specific contents of this proposal here. Advance CTE applauds the passage of this legislation, which will provide much-needed certainty for state CTE leaders for the remainder of FY26.
Encourage Lawmakers to Support CTE
February is Career Technical Education (CTE) Month®, a time to spotlight how CTE prepares learners for in-demand careers and supports strong, resilient economies. States, schools, and partners across the country are marking the month with events, learner spotlights, employer engagement, and social media campaigns that highlight the impact of high-quality CTE programs.
In conjunction with CTE Month, CTE champions in both the House and Senate are preparing to introduce a congressional resolution designating February as CTE Month and celebrating CTE’s importance more broadly. Be sure to encourage Senators and Representatives to support this effort by clicking here.
Planning an activity for CTE Month? Advance CTE wants to hear from you. Share the events, communications, and creative activities you’re organizing so we can amplify your work and celebrate CTE nationwide.
Perkins Plan Guidance Released
This week, the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) at ED issued new program guidance for states considering updates or new submissions of Perkins V state plans. The guidance outlines the processes by which states can make updates to their plans, along with the requirements for submitting new or substantially revised plans as required by Perkins V. Notably, the guidance highlights that ED will now more narrowly interpret what constitutes a substantial change to a Perkins V plan, making it less cumbersome for states to undertake such efforts. The guidance indicates that, regardless of a state’s approach, Perkins V state plan submissions will be due April 30 this year.
OCTAE plans to host two informational sessions regarding this guidance.
Last month, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued updated guidance for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) state planning. The guidance encourages states to closely coordinate timelines, performance measures, and public engagement across CTE and workforce systems. To support such efforts, ED and DOL have sought to align both WIOA and Perkins V plan submission deadlines this year. Read more here.
Lawmakers Examine AI in the Workplace
On Tuesday, the House Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions held a hearing titled “Building an AI-Ready America: Adopting AI at Work.” The hearing focused on finding the right balance between encouraging technological advancement, safeguarding workers, and strengthening data infrastructure as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more prevalent across the economy. The hearing underscored the ongoing debate over whether regulatory intervention is necessary for this evolving technology, particularly regarding workforce disruption and broader economic consequences. While witnesses and lawmakers differed on their favored policy solutions, there was consensus among witnesses and members that enhancing federal capacity to track AI’s employment impacts and scaling up support for workforce development systems to better understand and address the technology should be key federal action in the future. An archived webcast, witness testimony, and opening statements can be accessed here.
ED Announces Accreditation Rulemaking
Last week, ED announced the launch of a negotiated rulemaking process to reform and strengthen the nation’s higher education accreditation system. The newly established Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization (AIM) Committee will develop proposed regulations targeting key aspects of accreditation, including simplifying accreditor recognition, reviewing how accreditation affects costs and credential value, and refocusing quality assurance on data-driven student outcomes. The process also aims to address administrative barriers and ensure accreditor practices comply with federal law. Nominations to serve on the committee are open through late February, with sessions scheduled for April and May 2026.
American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund Portal Opens
Last week, DOL and the Arkansas Department of Commerce announced that the American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund application portal is now open. This $35.8 million federal initiative uses a pay-for-performance model to incentivize employers and registered apprenticeship program sponsors nationwide. Eligible program sponsors can receive $3,500 per new apprentice to support the creation, expansion, or enhancement of advanced manufacturing apprenticeships. The portal will accept applications on a rolling basis until available funds are fully obligated. Read more about the apprenticeship incentive fund here.
2026 National Apprenticeship Week Announced
Last week, DOL announced that National Apprenticeship Week 2026 will take place from April 26 to May 2. This annual nationwide celebration highlights the impact of Registered Apprenticeship programs (RAPs). Events planned across states and territories will showcase employer and educator engagement in apprenticeships, spotlighting opportunities in sectors ranging from skilled trades to advanced manufacturing and technology. The theme for 2026 emphasizes “Making America Skilled Again Through Registered Apprenticeship.”
