East Central Education Service Center Awarded Grant
COLUMBUS — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin have announced $7.1 million in grant funding to establish seven regional Career Pathway Support Networks, including one based in East Central Ohio.
The East Central Ohio Educational Service Center (ESC) will receive $778,863.40 to lead the Southeast Region network, which will serve schools and students across multiple counties in the region.
Governor DeWine said the initiative builds on the state’s commitment to expanding access to career-technical education and ensuring that every student can explore in-demand careers.
“By creating Career Pathway Support Networks, more students will be able to access the skills and experiences they need to be successful after high school and reach their full potential,” DeWine said.
The Career Pathway Support Networks will replace the state’s former Tech Prep Regional Centers, taking a broader approach by:
Expanding career-technical education access for grades 7–10, Strengthening career advising and mentoring programs, and Aligning education and workforce needs through partnerships among schools, colleges, and local employers.
Lt. Governor Tressel emphasized the importance of preparing students for opportunities tied to Ohio’s growing economy.
“We have an incredible number of opportunities coming our way,” Tressel said. “These Career Pathway Support Networks will help us strengthen our future workforce and meet the unique needs of employers in each region.”
Each regional network will be guided by a local steering committee and will coordinate partnerships between education, business, and community leaders to better align career training with regional workforce demands.
According to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, more than 141,000 students participated in career-technical education during the 2023–2024 school year, a number expected to grow as these networks expand.
Director Dackin said the goal is to give every student a clear direction for the future.
“By improving career planning supports, mentoring, and skill development, our new Career Pathway Support Networks will help more students be ready for new and exciting possibilities,” Dackin said.
For schools looking to build or expand programs, the department’s Effective Access Career-Technical Education Toolkit offers data and strategies to identify gaps and strengthen industry partnerships statewide.
The East Central Educational Service Center is headquartered in New Philadelphia with offices in Cambridge and St. Clairsville.
(Ohio Department of Education and Workforce press release)
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