By - Funding will support efforts to implement new Career Connections Framework in schools across the state
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin have announced that Ohio was recently awarded a federal Career Pathways Exploration (CPE) Grant to expand high-quality career exploration opportunities for students and strengthen regional workforce readiness systems in several schools and districts across the state.
As one of five awardees nationwide and one of two receiving the maximum funding amount, Ohio will receive $3 million per year for three years to support statewide implementation of the newly developed Career Connections Framework.
The Career Connections Framework serves as a statewide roadmap to ensure every Ohio student engages in effective K-12 career planning and graduates with a clear, supported career plan.
The CPE grant is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Education.
“This grant will help more Ohio students discover the many opportunities that are available to them right here in Ohio,” said Governor DeWine.
“We want our students to understand their strengths, explore different career options, and find a pathway that will help them reach their full potential. I want to thank Secretary McMahon and Acting Secretary Sonderling for supporting Ohio’s efforts to prepare students for successful careers and bright futures.”
“Students make better decisions about their futures when they can see what’s possible and learn what interests them,” said Lt. Governor Jim Tressel.
“This grant will help schools and local employers give young Ohioans those experiences early, so they can discover their strengths, set goals, and build a plan for what comes next.”
Through a competitive subgrant process opening this fall, the Department will select 10 schools and districts that will serve as early adopters of the framework across all schools they serve.
The Career Connections Framework is organized around four career development phases: Awareness, Exploration, Preparation, and Participation. Together, these phases provide students with age-appropriate opportunities to learn about career options from elementary school through graduation.
“It is imperative that our students have a clear view of the opportunities available in Ohio’s in-demand career fields,” said Director Dackin. “This grant allows us to build on career exploration and advising already taking place in our schools, connecting students with careers, employers, and real-world opportunities.”
While all Ohio districts currently offer career advising supports, the CPE grant will enhance coordination across districts, improve the infrastructure that supports implementation, and establish comprehensive data systems to capture student interests, aptitudes, planning activities, advising practices, and career exploration experiences.
This federal investment builds on Ohio’s ongoing efforts to enhance career exploration and workforce partnerships. This work also includes Career Pathway Support Networks (CPSNs), which provide regional infrastructure for improving career advising, mentoring, and work-based learning.
The DeWine Administration continues to invest in supports that prepare Ohio students for success after graduation.
Governor DeWine recently announced the launch of Ohio’s Regional Education Partnership Network. This new statewide initiative brings together local education leaders, employers, workforce organizations, and other community partners to proactively identify and address the most pressing challenges facing young Ohioans to help them get a strong start in life, stay on track through school, and prepare for college, training, or meaningful careers.
Additionally, earlier this month, Governor DeWine announced that Ohio had also been selected as the recipient of a $50 million federal Talent Search Grant – the largest such award in the country. Talent Search Ohio will support 20,000 low-income and first-generation college students annually across 130 schools, ensuring they have the tools to graduate high school and successfully transition into college, apprenticeships, or other high‑quality postsecondary options.
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