In July 2014, the California Legislature passed and the Governor signed into law the California Education Code, sections 53010 through 53016, and the Budget Act of 2014, Statutes 2014, creating the California Career Pathways Trust. Funds in the amount of $250 million will be made available to school districts, county superintendents of schools, direct-funded charter schools, regional occupational centers or programs operated by a joint powers authority, and community college districts in the form of one-time competitive grants. Additional information is available on the California Department of Education website at: http://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/profile.asp?id=3643

Through a new partnership with the Linked Learning Alliance, the Foundation for California Community Colleges is involved in a statewide initiative called LaunchPath to improve workforce readiness through increasing the availability of work-based internship opportunities for California students, with an emphasis on high school students. Offering internships at the high school level gives students the chance to gain in-demand skills that align with their coursework, and assists them in planning for their futures—creating a bridge to higher education and success in the workforce.

LaunchPath staff can also assist you with including information in your CCPT grant application. Contact Lynnette Falls, Workforce Development Specialist, to set up a phone or in-person meeting: 916.325.1855 or info@launchpath.com.