Miami helps lead statewide effort to expand career pathways for Ohio students
A new $7.1 million Career Pathway Support Network initiative is expanding early career exploration, advising, and real-world learning across Southwest Ohio.
Miami helps lead statewide effort to expand career pathways for Ohio students
Miami University Regionals is helping lead a major statewide initiative to expand access to career-connected learning for Ohio students in grades 7-12.
Through the state’s new Career Pathway Support Networks (CPSN) — a $7.1 million effort announced by Gov.Mike DeWine — Miami and its regional partners are building a stronger bridge between education and employment across Southwest Ohio.
Building on decades of success
The CPSN builds on three decades of Tech Prep success connecting career-technical education (CTE) to higher education. But this new model goes further, said Barbie Gregory, Ohio Tech Prep SW regional coordinator, by looking holistically at career-connected learning for all students, not just those already enrolled in CTE programs.
“The new model adds deliverables focused on regional career-advising practices, increasing hands-on learning opportunities for students who may not currently be in CTE programs, and providing more professional development for teachers and administrators,” Gregory said. “The goal is to make career awareness part of every classroom experience for every student in Ohio.”
“Career-tech for all” in every school
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce has embraced the message of “Career-Tech for All.” The state’s leadership is committed to helping every student — no matter where they live or what school they attend — learn more about their future careers through real-world experiences.
“State leaders recognize that students benefit most when career exploration begins early and continues throughout their education,” Gregory said. “By expanding hands-on learning and meaningful exposure to different industries, this initiative aims to help students discover their interests, connect with mentors, and gain confidence in their future career paths.”
Already leading the way
Gregory noted that many programs on Miami’s regional campuses already align with CPSN goals. “Long-running initiatives such as Scrubs Camp, the Engineering Technology (ENT) Student Ambassador Program, ENT Senior Design Day, and other on-campus career-exploration events have introduced hundreds of middle and high school students to local industries and career possibilities,” she said. “Under the new CPSN model, these programs can grow and reach even more schools.”
The network will expand Miami’s outreach beyond existing CTE partners to include all 64 local education agencies in the southwest region — opening opportunities for students who may not yet have chosen a career path but are eager to explore their options.
The center of it all: Miami’s new Advanced Manufacturing Hub
At the center of it all is Miami University’s new Advanced Manufacturing Workforce and Innovation (AM) Hub. Scheduled to open this January, the Hub has incredible potential to become a focal point for regional career-connected learning under Miami’s polytechnic education model.
The AM Hub is envisioned as a shared space for career exploration, advising, and professional learning. It will bring together middle and high school students, teachers, and employers through hands-on experiences in robotics, automation, and smart manufacturing. Possible activities include career-exploration modules for younger students, teacher-training sessions, and employer-led mentoring or job-shadowing experiences.
“As plans evolve, we’re exploring ways for Butler Tech high school students to work alongside Miami faculty and students within the AM Hub,” Gregory said. “We have also partnered with Ohio Means Jobs in the space to connect students and educators directly with workforce resources, local employers, and real-time labor market information.”
Looking ahead, Miami is considering featuring the AM Hub as part of Manufacturing Month in October 2026 to highlight how the university and its partners are preparing the next generation of skilled professionals.
The timing, Gregory added, is critical. “Ohio currently ranks third in the nation for manufacturing job vacancies, behind only California and Texas. Initiatives like the CPSN and the Hub will play a key role in helping students develop the skills and confidence needed to step into those roles.”
Program planning underway
Gregory said that while program planning is underway with regional CPSN partners, the central focus will be on increasing access to career-technical education by creating more opportunities for students to engage in hands-on, career-connected learning experiences.
“In my role at Miami, this includes building on successful outreach models, like bringing our student ambassadors and faculty teams into classrooms, hosting on-campus career-exploration days, and developing STEAM-focused camps and activities that highlight engineering technology, health care, and advanced manufacturing,” Gregory said.
“By connecting those experiences to local employers and Miami’s AM Hub, we can show students that the path from middle-school curiosity to a technical career in Southwest Ohio is not only possible, it’s already being built.”
