Copyright cleveland.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio - The state will target $7.1 million in grants to bolster programs that help students in grades 7 through 12 consider careers for when they become adults. The grants will establish Career Pathway Support Networks to replace existing Tech Prep Regional Centers. Gov. Mike DeWine and others announced the grants, including money for Northeast Ohio, last week. The new networks will expand on the Tech Prep model by increasing career-technical education access for students in grades 7 through 10, providing career advising and mentoring, and strengthening partnerships among schools, higher education institutions and employers to align with regional workforce needs, a statement from DeWine said. “Our continued support of expanding career-technical education and career planning for our students is an investment in Ohio’s future,” DeWine said in the statement. “By creating Career Pathway Support Networks, more students will be able to access the in-demand skills and experiences they need to be successful after high school and reach their full potential.” The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce will award funding to the following regional lead institutions: -Northeast region: The Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio – $1,561,346 -East Region: Youngstown State University – $674,978 -Central Region: ESC of Central Ohio – $1,247,917.40 -Northwest Region: North Central Oho ESC – $936,717 -West Region: Sinclair Community– $857,292.67 -Southwest Region: Cincinnati State Technical and Community College – $1,052,456 “As more businesses move into Ohio and grow here, we have an incredible number of opportunities coming our way. We need to make sure our next generation is ready to take advantage of these opportunities,” Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel said in the statement. “Establishing these Career Pathway Support Networks will help us keep building on our work alongside local partners to strengthen Ohio’s future workforce and meet the unique needs of employers in each region of the state.”
