Rep. McNally Announces $674,978 in Career Pathway Support Grants for Youngstown State University

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) today announced $674,978 in Career Pathway Support Grants for Youngstown State University (YSU). This is a part of the Department of Education and Workforce’s campaign to support career-connected learning opportunities and career planning support to more students across Ohio. These grants are used to support career technical education by creating the Career Pathway Support Networks. These regional networks will bring together schools, employers, and community leaders to align education with workforce needs and expand opportunities for students.

“Career tech education is a great pathway for people after they are done with high school. They are important skills and important jobs that we all rely on. I have full confidence in YSU’s ability to establish the Career Pathway Support Network in the East Region,” said Rep. McNally.

Beginning October 1, 2025, Ohio's Tech Prep Regional Centers will transition to Career Pathway Support Networks.  This transition will coincide with the addition of a seventh region to align to updates made by JobsOhio. The state will invest $7.1M in this program and expansion of opportunities in career technical education. Each Career Pathway Support Network will be guided by a regional steering committee and will focus on increasing access to and participation in middle grades (7-10) career-technical education and ensuring all students receive high-quality career advising and mentoring.