Career Pathway Support Network (CPSN)

CPSN Overview Ohio CPSN Map
*The most up to date information on the CPSN can always be found at the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s website*

The Career Pathway Support Networks (CPSN) are a statewide Ohio initiative designed to expand access to career-technical education (CTE), career advising, mentoring, and career-connected learning opportunities for students. The program is led by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) in partnership with the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE).

Purpose & Overview
The networks were created to help more Ohio students:
  • Explore careers earlier, especially in grades 7–10.
  • Access high-quality career-technical education programs.
  • Receive career advising and mentoring.
  • Connect classroom learning to workforce opportunities.
  • Prepare for high-demand careers in Ohio industries.
Ohio replaced its traditional Tech Prep Regional Centers with seven regional Career Pathway Support Networks. Each network is aligned with a JobsOhio region and is guided by a regional steering committee that includes K12, higher education, employers, workforce organizations, and community partners.
The networks focus on:
  • Expanding participation in CTE programs.
  • Strengthening partnerships between K–12 schools, higher education, and employers.
  • Aligning education programs with regional workforce needs.
  • Supporting career services for schools
Ohio has seen increasing demand for career-technical education, with more than 141,000 students participating in at least one CTE course during the 2023–24 school year. CPSN aims to ensure that students across all regions have equitable access to career exploration, workforce preparation, and education pathways that lead to employment in Ohio's in-demand industries.
Ohio committed approximately $7.1 million over two years to establish and operate networks to help understand and meet the need of this demand across the state, distributed amongst regional lead organizations.

Regional Lead Organizations
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce has awarded grant funding to the following lead institutions:
  • East Region: Youngstown State University 
  • Northeast Region: ESC of Northeast Ohio 
  • Northwest Region: North Central Ohio ESC 
  • West Region: Sinclair Community College 
  • Southwest Region: Cincinnati State Technical and Community College 
  • Central Region: ESC of Central Ohio 
  • Southeast Region: East Central Ohio ESC 
 
CPSN NEO Counties

  • Ashland
  • Cuyahoga
  • Erie
  • Geauga
  • Huron
  • Lake
  • Lorain
  • Medina
  • Portage
  • Richland
  • Stark
  • Summit
  • Tuscarawas
  • Wayne

 
 
Regional Subcommittees
Our region has 6 subcommittees working on our CPSN goals for the Northeast Ohio region. Below, you will find the subcommittee names & co-chair information. If you are interested in joining a subcommittee, please contact Emma Maloney for meeting registration links.
 
Workforce Alignment & Employer Partnerships
-Dan Murphy, R.G. Drage
-Julie Szeltner, Team NEO
 
Instructor & Administrator Supports
-Joe Glavan, Auburn Career Center
-Deanna Elsing, Auburn Career Center
-Emma Maloney, Educational Service Center of NEO
 
Advising, Mentoring, and Navigating 
-Cody Doud, Polaris Career Center
-Courtney Wenzel, Polaris Career Center
-Cynthia Kushner, Lorain County Community College
-Nadia Leary, Lorain County Community College
 
Middle Grades CTE Expansion
-Chris Kalina, Educational Service Center of NEO
-Jim Grubbs, Crestview Local School District
 
Data Subcommittee
-Jennifer Dodd, Educational Service Center of NEO
 
Higher Education Subcommittee
-Nadine Grimm, Educational Service Center of NEO
 
As our subcommittees meet, their post meeting summaries will be uploaded and found here!