Signed into law on October 31, 1998, Carl Perkins Vocational and Technical Act (Perkins III) sets out a new vision of vocational and technical
education for the 21st century. The central goals of this new Act are improving student achievement and preparing students for postsecondary education, further learning or careers.

Perkins promotes reform, innovation, and continuous improvement in vocational and technical education with state and local efforts to reform secondary schools and improve postsecondary education. The implementation of the law promises to make vocational and technical education programs an integral part of these efforts.

The REC IX Consortium is comprised of the school districts of Alamo Navajo, Carrizozo, Cloudcroft, Corona, Hondo Valley, Mescalero, and Ruidoso.

The Focus Areas for REC IX Carl Perkins Consortia are: Agriculture, Technology, and Retail/Entrepreneurship/Marketing.

Tularosa and Alamogordo have separate Carl Perkins Grants which flow directly into their local school districts.