State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced today that the California Department of Education (CDE) has received a $100,000 grant to develop a career readiness action plan and expand job opportunities for California students.
California is one of 24 states and the District of Columbia that won “New Skills for Youth” grants, part of a $75 million, five-year initiative developed by global financial services firm JPMorgan Chase. The effort includes a partnership with the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and Advance CTE, a national nonprofit that represents Career Technical Education (CTE) leaders in states.
The grants will increase career-focused education, starting in high school and ending with postsecondary degrees or professional credentials focused on the skills that modern industries need.
“We are pleased to receive this grant because it will allow us to do additional analysis and planning in career technical education,” Torlakson said. “Improving and expanding career technical education is a top priority because these programs engage students and communities in so many different ways. They provide students with hands-on learning opportunities, internships, and mentorships with business leaders, and create pathways to 21st century careers.”
This grant opportunity builds on CCSSO’s Career Readiness Initiative, launched in 2015 to help close the skills gap in the United States. The goal is to ensure that students are ready for college and graduate from high school prepared for careers.