This week, the U.S. Department of Education launched the Career Z Challenge, a multi-phase prize competition to expand high school student access to high-quality work-based learning (WBL).
Perkins-eligible schools, districts and consortiums are invited to share their ideas for creating or enhancing WBL opportunities in CTE programs. Eligible entrants will engage collaborative ecosystems of educators, businesses, industries, workforce processionals and community stakeholders to provide students across grades 9-12 with WBL that is interconnected, expansive and sustainable. Semi-finalists and finalists will be eligible for targeted technical assistance, including professional development support, webinars and training, participation in a community of practice (CoP) and a portion of a $2.5 million prize pool.
The Career Z Challenge consists of three phases:
- Phase 1: Registration, Submission and Selection (March – August 2023): Interested parties should attend an information session on April 4 at 2pm ET or May 4 at 2pm ET and register to learn more and receive updates by April 11. Proposals can be submitted from April 12 to May 24. Up to 100 semi-finalists will be selected to participate in Phase 2 of the Challenge.
- Phase 2: Implementation and Results (September 2023 – July 2024): During Phase 2, semi-finalists will receive technical assistance, participate in a CoP and have access to resources and support services. At the end of Phase 2, up to 10 finalists will be selected for Phase 3.
- Phase 3: Acceleration and Results (August 2024 – July 2025): During Phase 3, finalists will take part in a more accelerated, intensive process. At the end of Phase 3, finalists will submit a report on their accelerated implementation, project results and sustainability plan.
This challenge is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Raise the Bar: Unlocking Career Success initiative.
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