Pender County Schools has received $136,330 in annual federal Perkins funding to support and strengthen Career and Technical Education opportunities for students during the 2026–2027 school year.
The funding, awarded through the U.S. Department of Education and administered by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, supports the district’s ongoing efforts to help students explore career pathways, develop real-world skills, and prepare for success after graduation. The award was issued under the Perkins Federal Program, which is part of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act.
While Perkins funding is made available annually to support Career and Technical Education programs, school districts must develop and submit a local plan each year outlining how the funds will be used. For Pender County Schools, that plan is reviewed and approved locally by the Pender County Board of Education before being submitted for approval through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction regional coordinator.
According to the grant award notification, Perkins funds are designed to “expand opportunities for every student to explore, choose, and follow CTE programs of study and career pathways” that prepare them for both postsecondary education and the workforce.
Dominique Bates, Director of Career and Technical Education for Pender County Schools, said the funding plays an important role in helping the district continue building meaningful, future-focused opportunities for students.
“This annual funding supports the work we are doing to ensure students have access to high-quality Career and Technical Education programs that connect classroom learning to real career opportunities,” Bates said. “Our goal is to help students discover their strengths, explore career pathways, and graduate prepared for college, careers, and the workforce.”
Career and Technical Education programs in Pender County Schools provide students with hands-on learning experiences in fields that align with workforce needs and student interests. Through CTE coursework, career pathways, industry-connected learning, and skill development, students are able to gain a better understanding of potential careers while building the knowledge and confidence needed for life beyond high school.
The 2026–2027 Perkins funding will support continued efforts to strengthen CTE programs across the district and ensure students have access to learning experiences that prepare them for a wide range of postsecondary and career opportunities.
“This funding is an investment in our students and in the future workforce of Pender County,” Bates said. “We are excited to continue expanding opportunities that help students see what is possible for their futures.”