Career Pathway Support Network
Ohio officials recently awarded $7.1 million in Career Pathway Support Network (CPSN) grants to expand career-connected learning statewide. The North Central Ohio Educational Service Center (NCOESC) will lead the Northwest Ohio region, using these funds to enhance career-technical education (CTE) and advising for students in grades 7–12.
Key Objectives
By building on the established Tech Prep model, this initiative will:
Broaden Access: Expand CTE opportunities to middle-grade students (grades 7–10).
Enhance Guidance: Provide high-quality mentoring and career advising for all students.
Align with Industry: Partner with schools, colleges, and employers to match education with regional workforce needs.
Regional Impact
A steering committee will oversee the Northwest Ohio network, supporting diverse educational institutions—from traditional districts to STEM and community schools. This investment addresses the growing demand for CTE (141,000+ students in 2023–2024) by closing participation gaps and ensuring students successfully transition into Ohio’s in-demand careers.
Contact Us
Dr. Laura Kagy, Northwest Regional Lead lkagy@ncoesc.org
Dr. Kathy Siebenaler Wilson, Northwest Regional Coordinator, kwilsoncpsn@ncoesc.org
Dawn Wagner, Northwest Regional Coordinator dwagnercpsn@ncoesc.org
UPCOMING TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Resources
Jim Pinchak Memorial Scholarship
We are pleased to share that applications are now open for the Jim Pinchak Memorial Scholarship, created in honor of our late friend and mentor, Dr. Jim Pinchak. Dr. Pinchak was a lifelong educator whose dedication to career-technical education left a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and programs across Ohio.
This scholarship was established in 2019 by the Ohio Career-Technical Administrators Association (OCTA) to support outstanding senior students who are continuing their training after completing a CTE program. Dr. Pinchak’s legacy as a teacher, administrator, and leader inspires this opportunity to help students take their next step toward a successful future.
Eligibility:
The scholarship is open to current high school seniors enrolled in a career-technical education program at a city, compact, or joint vocational school district. Students may use the award to pursue:
A college degree
An adult workforce development training program
A CTE career or apprenticeship program
Scholarship Awards:
Two $1,000 awards per OCTA Region
Total statewide funding: $12,000
Deadline to Apply: March 1, 2026 Apply Here:
https://lnkd.in/eiJctwZe
Applicants should select their OCTA region based on the location of their school’s CTE program. Please encourage your eligible seniors to apply. This scholarship honors Dr. Pinchak’s commitment to students by helping them continue their education and career journey.