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Grant Program Seeks to Boost Work-based Learning

Friday, April 14, 2023

The U.S. Department of Education has announced a $2.5 million grant opportunity aimed at expanding work-based learning (WBL) opportunities for Gen Z students. Toward that goal, the Career Z Challenge will fund entries that create new WBL networks or enhance existing WBL networks. The deadline for submissions is May 24, 2023.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona introduces the Career Z Challenge.

The COVID-19 pandemic reduced the availability of WBL, especially in industries that have traditionally engaged a youth workforce and those that support earn-and-learn educational models like Youth Apprenticeship. The Career Z Challenge grant program seeks to achieve two main goals:

  • To create and/or enhance high-quality, WBL opportunities in CTE programs through the expansion of WBL ecosystems, particularly for in-demand career sectors and industries.
  • To engage collaborative ecosystems of educators, businesses, industries, workforce professionals, and community stakeholders to provide students interconnected and expansive career development opportunities and experiences across grades 9 – 12.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply, local education agencies must meet the definition of Eligible Recipient in section 3(21)(A) of Perkins V and be eligible to receive funds under section 131 of Perkins V. Still not sure? SUBMIT AN ENTRY anyway! The Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education (OCTAE) does not make eligibility determinations until the close of the submission period.

Timeline Overview

Phase 1: Registration, Submission, and Selection (March – August 2023)

  • Register for the challenge (optional)
  • Submit innovative ideas by May 24 in one of these two categories:
    • Novice - Create a new WBL ecosystem
    • Expander - Enhance an existing WBL ecosystem
  • Up to 100 semi-finalists selected to participate in Phase 2

Phase 2: Implementation and Results (September 2023 – July 2024)

Phase 3: Acceleration and Results (August 2024 – July 2025)

Learn more about the Career Z Challenge online or at the May 4 information session.