Tech-Prep Education (84.243)
Program
84.243 Tech-Prep Education
Federal Agency
OFFICE OF VOCATIONAL AND ADULT EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Authorization
Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Amendments of 1998, Title II, Public Law 105-332, 20 U.S.C. 2394.
Program Number
84.243
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To distribute funds to States to enable them to provide planning and demonstration grants to consortia of local educational agencies and postsecondary educational agencies, for the development and operation of 4-year programs designed to provide a tech prep education program leading to a 2-year associate degree or a 2-year certificate and to provide, in a systematic manner, strong, comprehensive links between secondary schools and postsecondary educational institutions.
Types of Assistance
Formula Grants; Project Grants (Contracts).
Uses and Use Restrictions
Each funded program shall be carried out under an articulation agreement between the participants in a consortium. It shall consist of the 2 years of secondary school preceding graduation and 2 years of higher education, or an apprenticeship program of at least 2 years following secondary instruction, with a common core of required proficiency in mathematics, science, communications, and technologies designed to lead to an associate degree or certificate in a specific career field. It shall also include the development of a tech-prep education program curricula and inservice training for teachers and counselors designed to meet consortium needs. Each program shall provide equal access to the full range of technical preparation programs to individuals who are members of special populations and provide for preparatory services that assist all participants in the program. This program is subject to non-supplanting requirements and must use a restricted indirect cost rate which is referenced under 34 CFR 76-564-76.569. For assistance call the Office of the Chief Financial Officer/Indirect Costs Group on 202-708-7770.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
The Department of Education makes formula grants to State boards of vocational education. Eligible recipients for subgrants are consortia of local educational agencies, intermediate education agencies or area vocational education schools serving secondary school students, or secondary schools funded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs; and nonprofit and proprietary institutions of higher education which offer a 2-year associate degree program, and which are qualified as institutions of higher education pursuant to Section 481(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, including institutions receiving assistance under the Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance Act of 1978, or a two-year apprenticeship program that follows secondary instruction, if such institutions are not subject to a default management plan required by the Secretary of Education.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Individuals desiring to participate in a combined secondary/postsecondary program leading to an associate degree or 2-year certificate with technical preparation in at least one field of engineering, applied science, mechanical, industrial, or practical art or trade, or agriculture, health, or business.
Credentials/Documentation
The establishment of a State Board for vocational education, and a State occupational information coordinating committee is required. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
A 3-year State plan for vocational education must be prepared with active participation of the State Council on Vocational Education. Annual revisions may be submitted as necessary. State plans are subject to public hearings. This program is eligible for cover under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-102.
Application Procedure
A State board submits its application along with a 3-year State plan for vocational education to the Secretary of Education. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110.
Award Procedure
The Secretary of Education approves the application and makes allocations to th States.
Deadlines
States should contact the Program Office for deadlines.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
A State board that is dissatisfied with the final action of the Assistant Secretary in disapproving a State plan is afforded reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Section 101 (a)(2) of the Perkins Act sets forth allotment procedures. Funds are allotted to States according to a formula based on States' populations in three age groups, and their per capita income averaged for the three most recent consecutive fiscal years. The age groups are 15 to 19, 20 to 24, and 25 to 65. They are weighted 50 percent, 20 percent and 15 percent respectively. A fourth distribution, weighted 15 percent, is based on the sums of the amounts resulting from the three year group distributions. Each State receives an initial allotment consisting of four parts: (1) An amount which bears the same ratio to 50 percent of the sums being allotted as the product of the State's population aged 15 to 19 bears to the sum of the corresponding products for all States; (2) an amount which bears the same ratio to 20 percent of the sums being allotted as the product of the State's population aged 20 to 24 bears to the sum of the corresponding products for all the States; (3) an amount which bears the same ratio to 15 percent of the sums being allotted as the products of the State's population aged 25 to 65 bears to the sum of the corresponding products for all the States; and (4) an amount which bears the same ratio to 15 percent of the sums being allotted as the amounts allotted to the State in the previous three operations. The Bureau of the Census supplies the population data; the Department of Labor supplies the per capita income data.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Funds must be expended within 27 months after the first date of availability. States draw funds as needed under the electronic transfer system.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
An annual financial report, performance report, and Office for Civil Rights Annual Compliance Report must be submitted. A quarterly Federal Cash Transaction Report is required under the electronic transfer system.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
In accordance with Section 443 of the General Education Provisions Act, as amended by the Improving America's Schools Act, grantees must maintain records for 3 years.
Program Accomplishments
There are Tech-Prep Consortia in all 50 States, DC, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Financial Information
Account Identification
91-0400-0-1-501.
Obligations
(Grants and Contracts) FY 02 $108,000,000; FY 03 est $107,298,000; and FY 04 est $0.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
The range of State grants in fiscal year 2002 was $55,000 to $12,178,000.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Rules and regulations, Title 34 CFR 400 and 406; EDGAR, Parts 74, 76, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85, and 86; OCR guidelines for vocational education.
Related Programs
84.048, Vocational Education_Basic Grants to States; 84.051, Vocational Education_National Centers for Career and Technical Education.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Not applicable.
Headquarters Office
U.S. Department of Education, OVAE Division of High School, Postsecondary and Career Education 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Rm. 4313, MES Washington, DC 20202-7241. Contact: Maurice James. E-mail Address maurice.james@ed.gov. Telephone: (202) 205-9441.
Web Site Address
http://www.ed.gov/offices/OVAE/CTE/tphome.html
Examples of Funded Projects
Not applicable.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Not applicable.
