Congress is currently on recess, but there was still significant action across federal agencies this week. On the Hill, Congress is still working to find a solution to approve FY 2026 funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which remains shutdown. At the same time, work on FY 2027 federal funding is underway, and the Administration released their FY 2027 budget request. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) is currently circulating a “Dear Colleague” letter in the Senate requesting additional CTE funding for FY 2027, and we encourage you to reach out to your Senator! Read other updates from this week below.  

• Administration Releases FY 2027 Budget Request: On April 3, the President released his budget proposal for FY 2027 (2027-28 school year). The budget included level funding for Perkins Act state grants, but cuts, eliminations and program consolidations across education and workforce programs. Read more on the blog! 

• Ask Your Senators to Support Increased Funding for CTE in Fiscal Year (FY) 2027! Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a longtime CTE advocate, is circulating a letter in the Senate requesting increased CTE funding for FY27. CLICK HERE to ask your Senators to sign the letter and support increased CTE funding in the FY 2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill!   

• Resources for Workforce Pell Implementation: ACTE released a blog compiling a number of resources for Workforce Pell implementation on March 31. As Workforce Pell moves towards the July 1 launch, ACTE will continue to provide updates and resources for members.    

• DOL Releases Guidance on Combined State Perkins and WIOA Plans: On April 1, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued guidance to state education and workforce leaders on developing combined state Perkins and WIOA plans.  

• OCTAE Announces FY 2026 Perkins Funding Allocations: On April 1, the Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education (OCTAE) released estimated FY 2026 Perkins funding allocations for states, which will be distributed in two parts on July 1 and Oct. 1. Most states will see similar amounts to this school year, since overall funding stayed level.   

• States Attempt to Limit Undocumented Students’ Access to CTE Programs: An investigation by Chalkbeat found that at least three states, including Virginia, Iowa and Georgia, have taken steps to restrict undocumented high school students’ access to dual enrollment and CTE programs as a result of the Administration’s guidance released last year. ACTE and partner organizations sent a letter to the Administration requesting additional information on implementation but have not heard back. 

• CTE Included in Governors’ Top Education Priorities in 2026: State of the State addresses offer new and incumbent governors a platform to elevate their priorities and successes. An analysis of 45 addresses found that CTE was among the top five priorities across state education-related proposals.   

• DOL Launches Initiative to Integrate AI Skills in Apprenticeship Programs: On April 1, the DOL launched an initiative aimed at integrating AI-related skills into Registered Apprenticeship programs. The initiative aligns with the Administration’s numerous other actions related to AI in education, skills training and workforce readiness. Organizations interested in participating in the initiative can view the full solicitation here.  

• DOL Announces Funding to Advance Employment Readiness for American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians: On April 2, DOL announced the availability of approximately $76 million in funding to advance employment and training assistance to American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. The funding will support approximately 163 grants to deliver services under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act’s Indian and Native American programs.  

• DOL, NSF Announce Partnership on AI Workforce: On April 2, DOL and National Science Foundation (NSF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to solidify the agencies’ partnership on the TechAccess: AI-Ready American Initiative. The initiative, announced by NSF last week, will focus on establishing Coordination Hubs in states to develop AI training tools and resources for workers and employers. DOL will focus on integrating the hubs into the nation’s education and workforce systems.  

• ED Announces Funding for Educational Opportunity Centers Program: On March 30, the Department of Education (ED) announced the availability of over $52 million for the Educational Opportunity Centers Program. The program is focused on providing financial and academic support for adults interested in pursuing postsecondary education. Specific priorities of the program include a focus on expanding career and workforce pathways for students. Institutions interested in applying can view the opportunity here.  

• ED Announces Next Steps for Borrowers Enrolled in SAVE: On March 27, ED announced new guidance directing borrowers enrolled in the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan to choose a new repayment plan. Starting July 1, loan servicers will contact borrowers enrolled in SAVE, instructing them to apply for another repayment plan within 90 days or be automatically enrolled into a new plan. 

• GAO Releases Report on Teacher Professional Development: A new report from the Government Accountability Office found that professional development opportunities for K-12 teachers lead to higher student test scores, but the results were mixed on the specific types of opportunities that are the most effective.