The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is partnering with JPMorgan Chase on New Skills for Youth, a $75 million, five-year investment to increase the number of students throughout the world who are prepared to compete for high-skill jobs. $35 million will support CCSSO in leading the New Skills for Youth grant for states to apply for funding to turn their visions for improving K-12 career readiness into a reality. States will bring together education leaders, business and community partners in establishing goals for expanding access to training for high-skill, high-wage jobs.
An independent panel will review all applications and determine grant awards in two phases: Phase 1: In Spring 2016, approximately 20-25 states will receive grants of $100,000 for planning and early implementation of long-term career readiness education programs that align with the needs of area employers. Phase 2: In Fall 2016, approximately 10 states will receive grants of $1.5 million to $2 million over three years to implement and assess their demand-driven career and technical education programs.
State officials interested in pursuing funding should join a webinar: Q&A Session for State New Skills for Youth Grant Applicants, on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST. Questions may be submitted in advance to to Beth.Plewa@ccsso.org. Register for the webinar here.