Perkins Reserve Grants awarded to area school districts will help create new career and college readiness opportunities for Career and Technical Education dual credit programs in cooperation with Trinity Valley Community College. Frankston ISD received $48,950 to expand programs for various industry certifications, Fruitvale ISD received $75,000 to expand Health Occupations programs and Terrell ISD received $75,000 to expand the Auto Technology program.

The purpose of the 2017-2018 Perkins Reserve Grant is to provide assistance to local educational agencies (LEAs) in:

a) the preparation of students who enroll in career and technical education (CTE) courses for high-skill, high-wage, or high-demand occupations in current or emerging fields;

b) strengthening linkages between secondary and postsecondary CTE programs of study as well as establishing or strengthening partnerships with business and industry;

c) establishing or strengthening partnerships with business and industry to include work-based learning opportunities;

d) fostering innovation of CTE programs, practices, and strategies, which may include practices and strategies that prepare individuals for nontraditional fields; or

e) promoting the development, implementation, and adoption of programs of study or career pathways aligned with Texas-identified in-demand occupations or industries.