Strong Workforce Program K12

In summer 2018, the California legislature introduced the K12 Strong Workforce Program (K12 SWP) as an ongoing statewide funding opportunity. It is designed to support K–12 local education agencies (LEAs) in creating, improving, and expanding career technical education (CTE) courses, course sequences, programs of study, and pathways for students transitioning from secondary education to postsecondary education to living-wage employment. ("K12 Strong Workforce," California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office, 2020, https://www.cccco.edu/About-Us/Chancellors-Office/Divisions/Workforce-and-Economic-Development/K12-Strong-Workforce. 25 January 2020.)

The VCOE Career Education Department works closely with our regional community colleges in support of program development and seamless transitions for the 44,000 high schoool students in districts throughout Ventura County.

Expenditure Deadlines

Round 1 -  Final expenditure deadline 12/31/2021 (VCOE MOU February 2019) 

Round 2 -  Final expenditure deadline 12/31/2022 (VCOE MOU July 2020 - Healthcare, STEM, Media & Entrepreneurship/applications due December 2019)

Round 3 -  Final expenditure deadline 6/30/2023 (applications due October 2020)

2020-2021 Work Plan Activities, Consortium Partner Districts

Our annual fall Professional Development Day for all teachers/sites involved with VCOE Strong Workforce Program grant in 2020-2021 (In lieu of Kickoff/ROP Day) has been cancelled in support of ensuring teachers are with students in classes.  Below is an outline of activities for VCOE Consortium partners.

Business & Entrepreneurship curriculum and digital portfolios: for Media & Stagecraft teachers:  Thursdays, November 19, December 3,  February 4, and February 25. 

Trauma Informed Care & Practices:  February 11, February 23, March 10, April 16.  Pre-registration is required.  Teachers attend one session with four date options.  This is for all teachers touched by SWP grant funding.

Intercultural Communication/Cultural & LInguistic Competence: for Healthcare Industry instructors.  Dates forthcoming.

Expending SWP Funds, Information for Partner Districts 2019-2020

Strong Workforce Program funds may be used to support one or more various strategies:

Strategy 1. Develop and implement enhanced pathways

Strategy 2. Increase quality and quantity of Work-Based Learning opportunities

Strategy 3. Improve student transitions (middle school to high school; high school to post-secondary programs)

Strategy 4. Provide students with timely, comprehensive career exploration activities

Each strategy may be addressed by one or more activities.  Please refer to the attached document Exhibit C for an overview of Strategies and Activities.

Please note, 70% of funds will be released upon successful review of the completed document.  CCCCO will be releasing details soon on activities required for release of the remaining 30% of funds.

Unified and High School Districts must have a Cal-PASS Plus MOU on file with Cal-PASS Plus.  Click here for more information. 

Funds must be expended during the plan term:  July 1, 2019-December 31, 2021