Out-of-School Time Career Pathway Program

Out-of-School Time Career Pathway Program

84.287D

The Out of School Time Career Pathway program will make grants to SEAs that, in partnership with eligible entities (as defined in section 4201(b)(3) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESEA)) in the State, will provide students expanded options to participate in a career pathway (as defined in the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA)) program, outside regular school hours or as part of an expanded learning program, that leads to a recognized postsecondary credential, such as an industry recognized certification or a certification of completion of an apprenticeship in an in demand industry sector or occupation . Such program should be aligned with an existing program of study (as defined in the NIA) for students so that in school and out of school time activities complement each other and maximize student preparedness for postsecondary education or a career. An SEA must propose to use grant funds to support an existing partnership or a partnership that has been formed during the application period and will continue to exist if awarded this grant funding. The partnership must consist of the SEA as the lead applicant and fiscal agent, a currently funded 21st CCLC subgrantee (i.e., funded as of the application closing date for the competition outlined in the NIA), and an employer in an in demand industry sector or occupation . Although not required, the SEA may want the partnership to include an IHE when developing a student progression along a career pathway continuum, in addition to an employer in an in-demand industry sector or occupation and a 21st CCLC program subgrantee. The goal of this partnership must be to serve students by expanding existing, or building new, career pathway programs. In addition, the partnership must disseminate information about its grant activities to a national audience that includes, but is not limited to, 21st CCLC program coordinators.

Types of Projects

Discretionary Grant (Demonstration Project)

  • School districts will partner with various postsecondary and industry partners to promote the growth of computer science (CS) pathways in rural districts through virtual expanded learning opportunities and out-of-school programs.
  • The state education agency seeks to build the capacity of districts in the program to offer a comprehensive set of career pathway learning opportunities, including paid internships in STEM-related businesses and STEM-oriented industry-recognized credentials that will prepare students to be career-ready for in-demand STEM careers.
  • The SEA seeks partnerships with businesses and other entities to provide career experiences for high school aged youth that will result in certification, apprenticeship, continuing education credits or employment.
  • Partners are collaborating to build a bridge between CTE and out of school time programs focused on technology and entrepreneurship serving students from low-income and diverse backgrounds in both urban and rural settings.

Inquiries and Questions should be sent to: OSTCP@ed.gov

Contact Information

  • Dr. La’ Shawndra Scroggins
    Group Leader, 21st Century Community Learning Center programs
    U.S. Department of Education
    400 Maryland Ave, SW
    Washington DC 20202-6132