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.