Career Z Challenge
ED Launches Career Z Challenge
This week, the U.S. Department of Education launched the Career Z Challenge, a competition to expand high school student access to high-quality work-based learning (WBL). Perkins-eligible schools, districts and consortiums are invited to share their ideas for creating or enhancing WBL opportunities in CTE programs. Read more about the challenge on ACTE’s blog here, and more from the Department of Education here.
Dept. of Labor promotes equal opportunity, expands workforce in federally funded infrastructure jobs with new initiative
The “Mega Construction Project Program” will focus the agency’s efforts to bring the public and private sectors together on a select projects. These “Megaprojects” will provide a diverse pool of qualified workers with access to good jobs in the construction trades. Megaprojects are large federal construction projects valued at $35 million or more. Additionally, projects must last more than one year and some part must use federal funding. Read more from the Department of Labor here.
Dept. of Labor Selects Communities and Partners to Support Workforce Opportunities for Young People
The Dept. of Labor selected nine chosen “communities” comprising of the Youth Systems Building Academy. The Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration administered The Youth Systems Building Academy which was established in December 2022. It offers training and technical assistance to workforce systems and community partners, aiming to attract and support young workers. Furthermore, the academy aims to enhance the capacity of local organizations to serve young people aged 16 to 24 who are disconnected from school and the workforce, as well as individuals in marginalized and underrepresented communities. Read more from the Department of Labor here.
Senate Appropriations Committee Announces Hearing Schedule
Patty Murray (D-WA) and Susan Collins (R-ME), the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee have announced a full slate of hearings for their Committee this spring. Soon, The Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee expects to hear from the Department of Education on May 11.
Department of Education Releases Guidance on Perkins Funding for Teacher Pipeline Activities
On March 15, the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Educaiton released guidance titled, “Strengthening the Pipeline for Career and Technical Education Teachers and Other Educators.” The document outlines how Perkins funds can be used to support CTE teacher recruitment, preparation, development, or retention of CTE educators, and how educator preparation programs can be integrated into CTE. Likewise, many local programs are already using funds in this way, but the document can be a resource.
Department of Education Releases Perkins State Allocations for FY 23
The Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education releases a program memo detailing state funding levels for FY 23. States will start receiving these allocated funds from July 1 of this year. Based on the $50 million increase provided by Congress for these allocations, each state should receive an increase!
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