​The purpose of the Perkins Innovation and Modernization grant program is to identify, support, and rigorously evaluate evidence-based and innovative strategies and activities to improve and modernize career and technical education (CTE) and ensure workforce skills taught in CTE programs funded under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins V), align with labor market needs.

​Each year under the Perkins statute, Congress authorizes roughly $16 million annually under the Native American Career and Technical Education Program (NACTEP) to federally-recognized Indian tribes, tribal organizations, Alaska Native entities, and eligible Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)-funded schools to provide career and technical education programs for Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

​​Each year under the Perkins statute, Congress appropriates roughly $3.2 million under the Native Hawaiian Career and Technical Education Program (NHCTEP) to community-based organizations primarily serving and representing Native Hawaiians to plan, conduct, and administer career and technical programs for Native Hawaiian students.

​Each year, under the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V), Section 117, Congress appropriates about $10 million to tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical institutions that do not receive support from the Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Assistance Act or the Navajo Community College Act, to support education and training for Indian students.