$9 million Career Pathways Exploration Grant announced for Ohio students

9/29/2026

Funding will expand high-quality career exploration opportunities

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin have announced that Ohio was 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. 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.

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.

Governor DeWine also 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.