Ohio puts $7.1 million behind student career tech pathways
Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Education & Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin announced a $7.1 million investment to expand career-connected learning and planning for Ohio students.
The two-year funding will grow access to career-technical education, advising, and mentoring — preparing students for high-wage, in-demand jobs while strengthening school, business, and community partnerships.
How it works
- Funds will be distributed across Ohio’s seven JobsOhio regions based on enrollment, growth potential, and service needs.
- Regional steering committees will lead efforts to expand middle-grade (7–10) career-tech programs, boost career advising, and align learning with workforce demand.
- A new Career-Technical Education Toolkit will help districts identify gaps, design programs, and build industry partnerships.
The big picture
More than 141,000 students took a career-tech course in 2023–24, but 59 districts still have fewer than 10% of students enrolled. The state’s goal: close those gaps and build clearer pathways to Ohio’s most in-demand careers.
Applications are open through September 17 on DEW’s Career Pathway Support Networks webpage.
