Carl Perkins Grant Menu

Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Grant Overview

The Carl D. Perkins Act supports the development of effective statewide practices and documented progress in vocational and technical education. One aspect of this grant funds the Special Populations program at Southwestern Michigan College. This Special Populations program offers support services to students in occupational programs who may be more likely to succeed with additional services. Support services can range from tutoring, advising, disability services and tuition assistance.

Southwestern Michigan College annually provides a detailed explanation of specific activities they will undertake so that special population students meet or exceed the same levels of performance as all other occupational students.

In order to qualify for Perkins tuition assistance a student must be formally enrolled in a state-approved occupational program or formally declare an intent to enroll in one of these programs.

Approved Occupational Programs at SMC

In order to qualify for Perkins tuition assistance, a student must be formally enrolled in one of the following state-approved occupational programs or formally declare the intent to enroll in one of these programs:

  • Accounting
  • Automotive Technology
  • Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology
  • Computer Information Systems
  • Design and Graphic Arts Technology
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Electronics Technology
  • Medical Transcription
  • Nursing
  • Office Administration
  • Precision Production Technology
  • Welding Technology

Application Process

Students must first apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA form is available in the Financial Aid Office. Under federal guidelines, individuals with the greatest financial need (as determined by the Financial Aid Office) will be given priority for tuition assistance.

To qualify for tuition assistance, students must be enrolled in:

  • A state-approved vocational/technical training program (an Associate in Applied Science degree program or approved certificate program)
  • Meet eligibility guidelines (determined by a Special Populations advisor), and
  • Meet federal income guidelines (determined by the Financial Aid Office)

Tuition assistance awards are based on availability of funds. Students receiving tuition assistance through this program must maintain satisfactory academic progress in accordance with guidelines published in the Southwestern Michigan College catalog.

If a student qualifies for Perkins Special Populations services, they must complete the following steps EACH SEMESTER (fall, winter and spring) that funds are available!

  • Develop an EDP (Education Development Plan) by completing all portions of the Perkins/Special Populations Application.
  • Request Tuition Assistance and any other services that are needed (tutoring, learning styles assessment, study skills training, career choice advising, referrals for community services, counseling).