Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, along with Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin, announced a $7.1 million investment to strengthen career-connected learning and planning across the state. The funding, launched through the Career Pathway Support Networks Request for Applications, will be implemented over two years and is designed to help students explore career options through mentoring, advising, exposure to professions, and expanded access to career-technical education.
Governor DeWine emphasized that the initiative will help schools build partnerships and provide students with opportunities to pursue high-demand, well-paying careers. The funding will be available to districts, schools, Career-Technical Planning Districts, and regional partners, with allocations based on enrollment, service maintenance, and growth potential across Ohio’s seven JobsOhio regions.
Lt. Governor Jim Tressel highlighted that it is never too early for students to learn about career pathways. He stressed that the networks will provide essential support for navigating career opportunities, helping students make informed choices for their future. Each regional Career Pathway Support Network will be guided by a steering committee focused on increasing access to middle-grade career-technical education, improving career advising, aligning planning with workforce demand, and building partnerships among educators, businesses, and community leaders.
Director Dackin added that the investment is not just about preparing students for jobs but about creating pathways to long-term economic growth for families and communities. The funding will be distributed as $3.1 million in Fiscal Year 2026 and $4 million in FY27. To support schools and districts, the Department of Education and Workforce has also released the Effective Access Career-Technical Education Toolkit, which provides data, program strategies, and checklists to help expand career-technical education while strengthening industry partnerships.
Interest in career-technical education continues to grow, with more than 141,000 Ohio students participating in at least one CTE course during the 2023-24 school year. However, participation remains low in some areas, with 59 districts reporting high school CTE enrollment below 10%. The state aims to close these gaps and ensure equal access for all students.
Applications for the Career Pathway Support Networks funding are open until September 17, with resources available on the DEW website. Districts, Career-Technical Planning Districts, and regional partners are encouraged to apply and use the toolkit to shape their plans for expanding opportunities in career-connected learning.
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