Youngstown State University received a $674,978 grant from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to help bring career-connected learning opportunities and career planning support to more students.

YSU was among seven schools to share $7.1 million from the Career Pathway Support Network Grant program. YSU received the smallest amount among grant winners. The other schools are either educational service centers or community colleges.

The schools will establish seven regional networks that are aligned with the state’s JobsOhio regions and will focus on better preparing Ohio students for in-demand careers with expanded career-technical education.

Gov. Mike DeWine said: “Our continued support of expanding career-technical education and career planning for our students is an investment in Ohio’s future. By creating Career Pathway Support Networks, more students will be able to access the in-demand skills and experiences they need to be more successful after high school and reach their full potential.”

The grant funding will establish networks in place of existing Tech Prep Regional Centers. The new networks will build on the foundation of the Tech Prep model but take a broader approach by increasing access to and participation for students in grades 7-10; providing career advising and mentoring; and aligning more closely with regional workforce needs through partnerships between schools and districts, institutions of higher education and local employees, according to DeWine’s office.