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Federally Funded Program To Help Prepare High Schoolers For Work

By Dr. Marciene Mattleman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - YouthCareerConnect, a program sketched out by President Obama, will be operated by the US Department of Education and the US Department of Labor and award 25 to 40 grants for high schools that team up with colleges.

The $100 million initiative is aimed at helping high schools prepare students better for college and high-tech careers. Grants will range from $2 million to $7 million, with winners having to secure 25% in private matching funds.

At a minimum, applicants must include a local education agency, a state or local workforce investment board, an employer and a higher ed institution in its 80-page application.

While it sounds like a win-win opportunity, in an article in Education Week, authors share concerns: the program is using discretional funds and there was no congressional consultation and there was no special preference for rural applicants who don't have funds for grant writers.

Watch for developments...

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