The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is dedicated to supporting students, families, and educators to ensure all students are prepared for lifelong success. This begins with a strong academic foundation in the classroom and extends to the development of essential life skills and real-world experiences that will benefit students throughout their lives.
By providing a link between what they are learning and future possibilities, middle school career-technical education plays a pivotal role in shaping students’ futures; it introduces them to a wide range of college and career pathways early in their academic journey.
As of July 1, 2026, a change in Ohio law eliminated the authority of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to waive the requirement that city, local, and exempted village school districts offer career-technical education to students enrolled in grades seven and eight. Beginning July 1, 2026, all city, local, and exempted village school districts will need to offer career-technical education to all students enrolled in grades seven and eight to begin preparing students for future occupations.
Early access to career-technical education in middle school not only equips students with essential transferable skills, but also enhances engagement and motivation, making it a powerful tool for career advising and student engagement. As students navigate the critical transition into high school, access to middle school career-technical education can provide the direction and support they need to stay on track and succeed.
Together, Ohio schools and the Department will ensure effective access to career-technical education by school year 2027.
Contact the Department’s Office of Career-Technical Education at CTE@education.ohio.gov for more information.