CARSON CITY Nev. - The Nevada Department of Education is pleased to announce Nevada is one of four additional states to receive approval from the U.S. Department of Education for its career and technical education plan submitted under the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V). The approval means Nevada is eligible to receive federal Perkins Funds through the year 2023 to implement its plan. While this funding amount varies slightly each year, the most recent award for FY 21 was more than $11 million.
Career and technical education prepare students in quality and industry aligned programs that provides students with the necessary skills, academic preparations, experiences, and credentials of value that lead them on career pathways toward success in education, the workplace, and in life. Nevada’s career and technical education programs also aligns with the skilled labor needs of existing or relocating businesses or industries within Nevada.

“This exciting news comes at a unique time. It will assist in opening doors for our students to obtain jobs of the future, giving them more career options and a bright future,” said Jhone Ebert, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Career and technical education is critical as we prepare students for Nevada’s changing economy and recover from the devastating effects of COVID-19.”

The approved State Plan guides Nevada’s career and technical education activities and programs at both the secondary and postsecondary institutions through 2023. Some noteworthy elements of Nevada’s State Plan include:

• Target technical assistance efforts to increase access to and opportunities for high-quality career and technical education programs within local schools and institutions.
• Provide additional funding support to rural school districts by leveraging Perkins Reserve Funds.
• Promote innovation through a competitive grant process for career and technical education programs that are aligned to high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors in the Silver State.

The Nevada Department of Education is also pleased to announce Nevada received confirmation from the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor that the 2020 four-year Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Unified State Plan has been officially approved. The plan will take effect on July 1st and cover program years 2020 through 2023.

Under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the Governor of each State must submit a Unified or Combined State Plan to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor that outlines a four-year strategy for the State’s workforce development system. Nevada’s WIOA Unified State Plan includes the core partner programs of Adult, Dislocated and Youth Employment and Training, Adult Education, Wagner-Peyser Employment Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program.
The Nevada Department of Education will contribute to the WIOA State Plan through its continued work with the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA). AELFA provides adults the opportunity to improve their skills to be self-sufficient, to participate actively in their children’s education, and to address foundation skills and secondary education and English Language deficiencies of the Nevada workforce through high quality, research-based programs.

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