The Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant (PCOG), often referred to as the Pathways Grant, is an initiative by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE). Funded annually by the Florida Legislature through the General Appropriations Act, this grant program is designed to bolster apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs across the state. It invites applications from various institutions, including High Schools, Charter Centers, Florida College System institutions, and other authorized entities, to establish, operate, or expand these vital programs. The core aim of the Pathways To Career Opportunities Grant Program is to enhance workforce development by providing financial support for practical, career-focused training opportunities.
Understanding the Pathways Grant Program
Administered by the Florida Department of Education, the Pathways Grant program plays a crucial role in shaping career pathways in Florida. Each year, the Florida Legislature allocates funds for this program, underscoring the state’s commitment to vocational training and skill development. The FDOE is responsible for managing the grant process, from identifying potential projects and soliciting proposals to recommending funding to the Commissioner of Education, who ultimately approves the grant awards. This structured approach ensures that the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant program effectively channels resources to deserving initiatives that align with the state’s workforce development goals.
Defining Program Types Under the Pathways Grant
The Pathways Grant supports three primary types of programs, each designed to cater to different stages of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship development:
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New Programs: These are initiatives focused on creating entirely new apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship programs. A “new program” is characterized by a training plan that meets the stringent requirements for registration under Florida Administrative Code Rules 6A-23.005 or 6A-23.10. The establishment of a new program is confirmed through the submission of a detailed program plan to the FDOE. This plan must outline all terms and conditions of the training, adhering to the Standards of Apprenticeship or Preapprenticeship, and is submitted for registration consideration as per Florida Statutes 446.021(5-6) and Florida Administrative Code 6A-23.002(5)(24)(27) – 6A-23.010(2)(d).
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Expansion Programs: These grants are for programs that are already registered and seek to grow their reach and impact. An “expansion program” is officially recognized through an Apprenticeship Certificate of Registration or Preapprenticeship Certificate of Registration issued by the FDOE. These certificates, bearing unique registration numbers from either the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) or the FDOE, signify the formal expansion of an existing program, in accordance with Florida Statutes 446.021(5-6) and Florida Administrative Code 6A-23.002(5)(24)(27) – 6A-23.010(2)(d).
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Operating Programs: This category is for already established and registered programs that require funding to maintain their operations. An “operating program” is defined as a program registered with the Florida State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) that is not partnered with a Local Education Agency (LEA) for technical instruction, holds an existing certificate of registration under Florida Administrative Code 6A-23.004 or 6A-23.010, and intends to use the Pathways Grant funding to sustain its current operations. This category ensures that successful, ongoing programs can continue to contribute to workforce development.
Growth of Pathways Grant Programs Over Recent Years
The Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant program has shown consistent activity and growth over the past five years. The table below illustrates the number of programs funded under each category from 2019-20 to 2023-24:
| Type of Program | 2019-20 | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Apprenticeship | 18 | 10 | 14 | 13 | 17* |
| New Preapprenticeship | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 4 |
| Expansion Apprenticeship | 19 | 18 | 13 | 18 | 26 |
| Expansion Preapprenticeship | 8 | 13 | 7 | 14 | 9 |
| Operating Apprenticeship | N/A** | N/A** | N/A** | N/A** | 7 |
| Operating Preapprenticeship | N/A** | N/A** | N/A** | N/A** | 3 |
| Total | 55 | 50 | 41 | 51 | 66 |
*This number includes the Grow Your Own Teacher Apprenticeship Program awardees.
**The Operating category is a new category added in the 2023-2024 year.
As the data indicates, there’s a fluctuating yet overall robust number of programs supported each year. Notably, the addition of the “Operating Programs” category in 2023-24 reflects the program’s adaptability to the evolving needs of apprenticeship initiatives. The increasing number of Expansion Apprenticeship programs in 2023-24 suggests a growing emphasis on scaling successful existing programs.
Reporting Requirements for PCOG Program Success
Accountability and transparency are key components of the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant program. Florida Statute Section 1011.802, along with Rule 6A-20.046 of the Florida Administrative Code, mandates an annual report detailing specific outcomes of the PCOG Program. This report must include the number of programs funded, retention rates, starting and ending salaries for each occupation within the programs, and apprentice wages one year after program completion.
To compile this comprehensive report, the PCOG Program Office utilizes data from the FDOE Annual Apprenticeship Report, particularly Appendices G and H-2. For any data not available in these reports, the office turns to the USDOL RAPIDS website, a central repository of apprenticeship-related data, including wage schedules and salary information. By leveraging these resources, the PCOG Program Office ensures thorough and accurate reporting on the effectiveness and impact of the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant program.
Conclusion
The Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant program is a cornerstone of workforce development in Florida. By funding new, expanding, and operating apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, it fosters crucial career pathways for individuals and strengthens the state’s economy. The program’s commitment to accountability through detailed reporting further ensures its continued success and relevance in meeting Florida’s workforce needs. For institutions looking to make a tangible impact on career education and training, the Pathways Grant represents a significant opportunity.
