It's one of the most common questions CTE directors ask right now. The short answer: often yes, when the AI curriculum supports an approved CTE program of study and connects to needs identified in your Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA). But rules and interpretations vary by state, so always confirm with your state CTE office before you spend.
This article is general information, not legal or compliance advice.
Why the answer is increasingly "yes"
Federal policy is pushing in this direction. The executive order on AI education directs agencies to prioritize AI in curriculum development, teacher professional development, and workforce training. The Department of Education followed with guidance on using formula and discretionary grant funds for responsible AI integration, including AI for college and career pathway exploration.
States are also connecting AI to Perkins directly. New Jersey's AI-in-CTE grant, for example, was limited to districts currently eligible for Perkins funding, a sign that states see AI as a natural part of Perkins-funded programs.
How to build a strong Perkins case for AI
Tie it to your CLNA. If your needs assessment shows employers in your region want AI skills, you have your justification. If it doesn't mention AI yet, consider adding it in your next update.
Connect it to a program of study. AI curriculum is easiest to justify when it's embedded in an approved pathway, such as a foundation course students take before their pathway specialization.
Show workforce outcomes. Perkins is about career readiness. Curriculum that measures workforce readiness strengthens your case.
Pair Perkins with a grant to go further
Perkins funds are limited and already stretched. That's why many CTE directors pair them with outside grants. The STEAM in AI™ grant from Congeriem and the DataEthics4All Foundation covers 50% of implementation costs and readiness assessments for qualifying schools, so Perkins or local funds only need to cover the rest.
The program is built for CTE justification: it's aligned to the DOL AI Literacy Framework, requires no prerequisites, and connects to NAWI workforce readiness tracking.
See how the 50% grant can stretch your Perkins budget →
Related reading: CTE Grants for AI Programs and AI Curriculum Grants 2026.
Request the grant application →
