Authorize the Superintendent or designee to accept an award of $1,410,717 from the K12 Strong Workforce Program supported by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO), in partnership with the California Department of Education (CDE).

The purpose of the K12 Strong Workforce Program (K12 SWP) is to create, support, and/or expand high-quality Career Technical Education (CTE) programs at the K-12 level. Funding is intended for efforts that (1) are aligned with the workforce development efforts occurring through the Strong Workforce Program, (2) are responsive to regional economic priorities, and (3) increase the transition from secondary to post-secondary and career with an emphasis on a collaborative approach between the K-12 and community college system.

Two new programs will assist with providing access and awareness to students interested in CTE. The overall goal of the Careers in Special Education (CASE) Project is to increase the number of CUSD students who complete the 9-12 Careers in Education pathway, transition into a pathway-related post-secondary program of study, and complete a bachelor’s degree and teaching credential that qualifies them to serve Special Education students. The Realizing Inclusion of Special Education in CTE (RISE CTE) Project is designed to increase the number of Special Education students who successfully complete a 9-14 CTE pathway and secure an associate degree and/or technical certificate leading to a high-wage, high-skill, high-growth career.