COLUMBUS, Ohio – The state is investing $7.1 million to enhance career-connected learning and career planning statewide through the Career Pathway Support Networks Request for Applications.

The two-year funding strategy aims to better prepare Ohio students for in-demand careers with advising, mentoring, exposure to various professions and expanded career-technical education, a news release states.

“This is another way we’re building a brighter future for Ohio,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “These networks will equip schools across the state with the tools and partnerships they need, while giving students opportunities to pursue careers in high-wage, in-demand jobs.” 

Districts and schools, career-technical planning districts and regional partners can apply for funds, which will be distributed across Ohio’s seven JobsOhio regions using a formula that accounts for enrollment, service maintenance and regional growth potential.  

“It’s never too early to start learning about career pathways, and we’re creating the opportunity for more students to do just that through these networks,” Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel said. “They’re also giving students the support they need to understand these pathways and learn how to navigate them – an invaluable investment in their future.” 

Each Career Pathway Support Network will be guided by a regional steering committee and will focus on: 

  • Increasing access to and participation in middle grades (seven through 10) career-technical education. 
  • Ensuring all students receive high-quality career advising and mentoring. 
  • Leading regional planning for career-connected learning aligned to workforce demand. 
  • Building partnerships among education, business and community leaders to support new career-technical education instructors and administrators. 

To support implementation, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce has released the Effective Access Career-Technical Education Toolkit, a resource designed to help districts identify gaps in access and build or expand career-technical education programs. The toolkit includes regional data, program design strategies and step-by-step implementation checklists. It also emphasizes the importance of building new – and strengthening existing – industry partnerships to identify, assess and respond to local workforce needs. 

The RFA and toolkit are now available on the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s Career Pathway Support Networks webpage. Applications are due Sept. 17. Districts, CTPDs and regional partners are encouraged to apply and use the toolkit to guide their planning.

Pictured at top: Photo via Unsplash.com.