SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today announced that the first batch of $250 million in funding is being awarded this year to schools and their partners for career education programs.

Eight rural schools and districts, stretching from Tehama County to San Diego County, will share $4.2 million in California Career Pathways Trust (CCPT) consortia development and implementation grants. They are the first to receive program grants directed specifically at the states rural regions. The list of winners is at Funding Results: California Career Pathways Consortium Development Grant.

The program builds on Torlaksons Career Readiness Initiative to support career technical education and better prepare students for 21st century jobs. Grant recipients must create sustained career pathways programs that connect businesses, K-12 schools, and community colleges. The remainder of the awards will be announced later this spring.

via Career Pathways Consortia Grants Announced – Year 2015 (CA Dept of Education).