Ohio has been awarded a federal Career Pathways Exploration (CPE) Grant worth $3 million per year for three years — $9 million total — to expand career exploration opportunities for students and strengthen regional workforce readiness systems, Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin announced.
Ohio is one of five awardees nationwide and one of two receiving the maximum funding amount. The money will support statewide implementation of the newly developed Career Connections Framework, described 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 to serve as early adopters of the framework across all schools they serve. The framework is organized around four career development phases — Awareness, Exploration, Preparation, and Participation — providing age-appropriate opportunities 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 grant will enhance coordination across districts, improve implementation infrastructure, and establish comprehensive data systems to capture student interests, aptitudes, planning activities, advising practices, and career exploration experiences. The federal investment builds on Ohio's Career Pathway Support Networks and other workforce efforts, including the recently announced Regional Education Partnership Network and a $50 million federal Talent Search Grant.