The goal of the Building Capacity for Career Pathways in Comprehensive Schools NGO is to “increase access and opportunities for New Jersey students to participate in high-quality career and technical education programs in comprehensive high schools, delivered through career pathways leading to high-skill, high-wage and in-demand careers. This limited-competitive grant will build off the successful (previous) grant, “Building Capacity for Career Pathways: A Pilot Program for Comprehensive High Schools”.

The overall expected outcomes of this grant program are to:

• Increase the number of students participating in high-quality CTE programs through career pathways;
• Improve career preparation of students;
• Increase the number of students attaining industry-valued and postsecondary credentials during high school, and who are eligible to continue education and credential attainment in a career pathway after graduation; and
• Provide technical assistance to build capacity for model career pathways statewide, creating a community of experienced and knowledgeable educators, industry, and postsecondary partners.

The NJDOE is offering this NGO to comprehensive school districts, including regional school districts or charter schools, serving grades 9-12 that do not currently have an approved CTE program and/or CTE program of study. The grant applicants will build two CTE programs of study aligned to the NJDOL Key Industries providing career pathways to their students.