Past Resources
General Questions
1. I noticed that you posted a revised RFP from the original. What has changed?
There were changes to important due dates, including reporting and appeals deadlines. The most up to date RFA was revised on 9/19/2022 and can be found on our webpage.
Pathways
1. Question 7, part 6, in the Round 5 application asks us to indicate whether a new CTE program is proposed. Here's the situation: Another of our schools has an SWP "Digital Media" grant. The pathway grew out of a Video California Partnership Academy. Its focus is strictly on developing video and film skills for the Entertainment industry. Our proposed SWP program, at a different school, would expand our Graphic Design pathway. This one would focus on adding web design/developer skills. They both fall under the SWP "Digital Media" heading, but seem like very different programs. Is the proposed program/pathway considered new?
Yes, if the project/pathway is created at a different school site, it is considered new.
Nova
1. Is there a word count on the work plan? No word count is listed (like there is on the problem statement / objectives)
The word count cannot exceed 2500 characters.
2. Is the CalPass Plus MOU required as an upload with the Application in NOVA? Pg. 31 of the RFA says it is a required supporting document, however, it is not clear where and if NOVA requires it. In the Lead & Partner Agencies section, if an applicant answers “yes” they were awarded funding in 2021-22, they are asked to upload the MOU: However, if an applicant says “no” they were not awarded funding in 2021-22, they are not asked to upload their MOU. The application moves on to the CTEIG award question. This contradicts the requirement spelled out in NOVA. The Supporting Documents section in the NOVA application does not list it as “required”: If an LEA wants to go ahead and upload it in this section, NOVA tells them it is “optional”. Will you please clarify the requirement and provide information on how to include the MOU in the application?
The Chancellors office is working to correct the error in NOVA. We will ensure the supporting documents section includes the required MOU statement.
Eligibility Requirements & Positive Considerations
1. Given the addition of the positive consideration section, please clarify the maximum score being 110 for a new applicant with a new program or pathway.
In an effort to encourage applicants who have not applied in the past rounds and to also encourage existing applicants to develop new CTE pathways/programs, these incentive points are being given.
2. Would a consortium application comprised of middle and charters schools who have never received K12 SWP funds as a Lead or K–12 Partner Agency, receive positive consideration points if the consortium fiscal lead has received prior K12SWP funds?
Yes, because the application will include a new applicant, then the application will receive the positive consideration points.
3. If we are currently a lead LEA for the 2020-2021 K12 SWP award, are we eligible to apply for an additional award as a lead LEA under the 2021-2022 RFA?
Yes, you are eligible to apply as the lead LEA under the 2021-2022 RFA, but will not be eligible for New LEA positive consideration points. If the application introduces programs that create new pathways, the application will be eligible for those positive consideration points.
4. Can a Charter School network that has three high schools that fall under the network, qualify for the Positive Consideration points if only one of the high schools is a previous awardee of K12 SWP funds? Would the other 2 high schools be considered “new applicants”?
Yes, the 2 new high schools on the application are considered new and would qualify for the additional points.
5. If an LEA was included as a partner school in a previous round but did not receive funding directly (only services), are they considered a new applicant for the Positive Considerations?
Yes, you are considered a new applicant if you are requesting funds this round.
6. Can a new CTE program be introduced by an existing applicant and qualify for the Positive Consideration points?
Yes. As long as it aligns in partnership with a Community College/District and must be in a High-Wage Sector.
7. How is the 10 points for new programs fair to existing applicants?
This has no impact on existing applicants. In an effort to encourage applicants who have not applied in the past rounds and to also encourage existing applicants to develop new CTE pathways/programs, these incentive points are being given.
8. Is the language specific to these new “Positive Considerations” included in the legislation? How were the 2 new “Positive Considerations” identified?
Yes, Positive Considerations are included in the legislation. The Chancellor’s Office developed the two positive considerations through an iterative process with the field. After each round, the Chancellor’s Office requested and received feedback from the Selection Committees and all applicants, and these two considerations were highlighted in that feedback.
9. Do the new pathways have to be new to the LEA or can they be new to a specific site?
“New” can be new to the school and/or district, but must align in partnership with a Community College/District and must be in a high-wage sector.
Allowable Ages/Grades Served
1. Please clarify what grade levels are eligible to apply for funds? Specifically are funds for middle school students (Grades 6-8) eligible?
K12 Strong Workforce Program grant funds can only be used to improve, expand, or develop new CTE pathways/programs for grades 7-12. If a middle school that serves grades 6-8 would like to apply, they will need to identify and ensure that K12 SWP funds will only go to CTE pathways/programs that are serving students in grades 7-8.
2. Can Transitional Age Youth (TAY) students (18-24) be served in addition to the <18 age students as long as the % of <18 students is greater than that of TAY youth?
Yes, TAY students may be served if they are 18 and younger and in grades 7-12.
3. Can funds be used for TK-12?
K12 Strong Workforce Program funds can only be used to improve, expand, or develop new CTE pathways/programs for grades 7-12.
Partners
1. If the SWP funds are used to provide services, supplies/equipment, teachers, and professional development to our K-12 partners, will this count as “funds” given to those partners? Or, is it necessary to allocate them actual dollars from the grant? Is this a new requirement?
If the Partner Agencies ADA is going to be used in the overall ADA total on the application, then the Lead LEA is required to allocate the budgeted funds to the Partner Agency.
2. If an LEA was a partner agency in a prior year, but did not receive K12 SWP funds (only services), should it still identify as a past partner agency in the Pathway Identification section?
No, if your LEA was not awarded funds in previous rounds, you are not required to identify as a Partner Agency in the Pathway Identification section.
3. Are Collaborative Partners eligible to receive funds?
Collaborative Partners can only receive services and not funding. Collaborative Partners include businesses and industry organizations, workforce development agencies, government offices, and philanthropies, among others. Only Partner Agencies who’s ADA was used in the application are eligible to receive K12 SWP funds.
Allowable Expenditures
1. Can we use K12 SWP funds to lease space for one of our pathway programs?
The legislation establishing the K-12 SWP specifically calls our investments in CTE buildings and infrastructure:
- 88830 (c) The K–12 Selection Committee shall also give positive consideration to programs to the extent they do any of the following:
- (2) Make significant investments in career technical education infrastructure, equipment, and facilities.
So yes, you may pay for a lease with the following provisions:
- If the leased space is to be used for purposes other than serving the students and programs that are the focus of the grant, the charge to the grant should be proportional to the use of the facility by the grant supported programs.
- Given that the K12 SWP funds are to be used to build capacity, rather than sustain on-going programs, it would be appropriate in your application to address whether the program would continue to use the leased space after the grant has ended, and if so, how the costs of the lease would be covered.
2. We're including some field trips in our grant proposal budget, and I want to make sure I'm listing the driver cost under the correct object code. Would that be 2000 for classified staff or 5000 for other services?
5000 is the correct Object Code for this expense.
3. In the first 3 rounds of K12 SWP, equipment purchases of over $5,000 required approval from the Regional Consortium. Round 3 RFA reads, “(purchases of) equipment with a value higher $5,000 must obtain prior approval before purchase from the Regional Consortia”. There is no similar language around prior approval or any approval needed for these capital outlay purchases in Round 4. The assumption is that approval is not needed for equipment purchases. Will you please clarify or confirm this?
If the value is over $5,000, then prior approval is still required.
Assurances
1. Will the Assurances page that is now required to be signed by participating districts/charters be available for digital signature(s)?
Yes, Digital Signature wills be allowed.
2. Can you tell us what the statement of assurances from LEAs should look like? Is it agreeing to the general assurances on page 29 of the RFP? Or would it look more like a letter of support that outlines agency roles and responsibilities, as we have included in previous grant rounds?
A template for the Statement of Assurances can be downloaded on the K12 SWP Request for Application page or in the NOVA System. This template should be added to the Lead LEAs letterhead and uploaded into the NOVA system under the Supporting Documents tab. As a requirement of this grant, LEAs will certify in the NOVA System that they are attesting to the same Assurances under the Pathway Identification tab.
3. On page 30, Supporting Documentation, it does not state that letters of commitment from business partners or the local regional consortia are required. It also says that documents other than those listed will not be reviewed. Will you please confirm that we do not need to include these letters of commitment?
Letters of commitment from business partners and/or local regional consortia are not required. If your application will include Partner Agencies where ADA is being used in the applications ADA total, then a Statement of Assurance will need to be signed by both the Lead and the Partner Agency. This document template can be found on the K12 SWP - Request for Application page and will need to added to the Lead Agencies letterhead.
Indirect Cost
1. We need some clarification regarding the allowable indirect cost rate for the K-12 Strong Workforce Program grant (Resource Code 6388). All three rounds of approved applications for our organization have shown our LEA’s Approved Rate under Indirect Cost, and when we are completing our quarterly reporting we are using our LEA’s Approved Rate as well, however according to SACS Query on CDE’s website the allowable rate is to be “4% or LEA Approved Rate, whichever is smaller” and our rate is larger. Can we please get some clarification as to which Indirect Cost Rate we should be using for this grant?
The California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office approved a maximum Indirect Cost rate of 4% and is the allowable rate for the term of the LEAs K12 Strong Workforce Program grant.
2. Is that 4% of all direct expenditures may be claimed for indirect costs, like we do for community college SWP (Local)? OR, is it only 4% of certain types of direct expenditures, following CDE rules. We need clarification on the rules to follow for the 4% indirect costs, all expenditures, or only certain expenditures?
The California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office approved a maximum Indirect Cost rate of 4% and is the allowable rate for the term of the LEAs K12 Strong Workforce Program grant.
Financial Match
1. Can districts use funds they are allocating as match to an active CTE facilities grant, as match for the K12SWP application in that same CTE pathway?
No, this is not an allowable form of Match.
2. Can CARES ACT funds be used as Match?
CARES Act II Funds may be used as Match.
3. Can the cost of student internships paid by another entity be used as a match?
Yes, this an acceptable form of match.
4. Does all match funding have to be goal-coded 3800?
No, you will need to align the match with the appropriate Object Code.
5. Can an applicant propose to use CARES Act ESSER funds as match?
Yes, as long as the match is within the defined scope of Cares Act ESSER.
6. Why is the requirement for a 2:1 LEA match when the Strong Workforce Program does not require a match from the Community Colleges?
This requirement is in legislation and we do not have the authority to change that, per Education Code, Sections 88828, (c)(1)(A)(B).
7. What is in-kind match?
In-kind match can be classified as non-monetary donations, staff time, facilities, and use of equipment. In-kind match is not allowed per the legislation for this program.
8. Has there been any advancement in conversations relating to match from the Community Colleges? Some applicants are able to get match from their Community College(s) while other applicants are not able to get match from their Community College(s).
LEAs are encouraged to have planning conversations with their local Community College partners to obtain match for these grants. The ability to provide SWP match dollars to an SWP K12 proposal is a local decision. Therefore, LEAs are encouraged to establish partnerships in advance of funding cycles to have the ability to access SWP dollars.
9. Which school year does the match need to come from?
Match funds need to come from the same year as the K12 SWP funding.
ROC/Ps
1. Starting on page 11 and then repeating throughout the document, the statement is made that all LEAs must submit data through CAL-PASS. Page 14 states that if an ROCP is submitting the grant, "The ROCP needs to be the Lead Agency on the application". ROCPs are unable to submit to CAL-PASS. There is no language in the RFA addressing the need to exclude ROCPs from having an MOU with CAL-PASS as stated on page 22. The assurance that is required to be signed also does not address the inability for ROCPs to be registered in CAL-PASS.
Unduplicated student data is reported to CAL-PASS by partnering school districts. ROCP data would be duplicating those numbers as they are the same students.
How should ROCPs proceed without being penalized since they are unable to access the system being required by the RFA?
If the lead LEA is an ROCP on an application, they will be asked in the Lead & Partner Agencies section of the NOVA System to identify which LEAs will be submitting your institution's data to Cal-PASS Plus. No data will be duplicated.
2. If an ROP creates an application with their partner districts do they just look at the total ADA of the LEA’s on an application? The LEA's don’t have to give a percentage to the ROP like they have to in CTEIG correct? Or do they?
The total ADA of the LEAs is populated into the NOVA application.
General Questions
1. Is the split along applicants ADA new this year?
No. These funding distributions were used in previous rounds as well.
2. School District XYZ identifies equity issues affecting LatinX females. Regional Plan and LMI identify the need for a pipeline of employees trained in emergency response. District designs pathway to establish competitive emergency response program for LatinX females and receives K12SWP funding. Recruiting LatinX females is one of the activities listed in the application. Is the district required to limit spending K12SWP pathway recruiting $ to the recruitment of LatinX females?
Yes, if the intent and the request for those dollars was to target LatinX Females for a Competitive Emergency Response Program, then the dollars could only be allocated for those activities.
3. Page 25 in Section II, Application Format and Instruction, (D) 6(a) says the following for the Problem Statement (#4): Use data to identify equity gaps of how student subgroups (e.g., race, gender, socioeconomics) access, experience opportunities, and complete high school course work that are aligned to STEM and high-potential CTE programs at disproportionate rates. Specifically, include evidence from demographic, enrollment, and completion data to substantiate the targeted student population to be served. This is the only mention of STEM in the application and it seems out of place. Please define “STEM” in context of the K12 SWP work and explain what evidence/data would be necessary in the Problem Statement regarding alignment to STEM.
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math - provide evidence of students who are designated CTE that may be enrolled in stem courses. Data that we will accept include enrollment, demographic and completers.
4. How can countywide support and services be captured in a grant if it is serving the districts and not necessarily within a certain pathway nor within any one district? I see in NOVA you are required to select CDE pathways that the application is writing to.
The data should be extrapolated through the districts database for those targeted pathways.
5. A new charter school is planning on opening in the fall of 2022. The school is built around the CTE Sector of the Construction and Building Trades and has dual enrollment agreements in place with local community colleges. Given that it won't have students at the time of the application can it still apply for SWP funding?
Unfortunately, no. If the school will not have students at the time of the application, then there would be no ADA to determine the funding band that the school would qualify for.
6. On the Bidder’s Conference FAQ, #2 under Eligibility reads: Can a new CTE program be introduced by an existing applicant and qualify for the Positive Consideration points? Yes. As long as it aligns in partnership with a Community College/District and must be in a High-Wage Sector. And General Questions, #2 reads: Do the new pathways have to be new to the LEA or can they be new to a specific site? “New” can be new to the school and/or district, but must align in partnership with a Community College/District and must be in a high-wage sector. The intent of SWP is to “prepare students for high-wage employment” and the objectives include developing and implementing pathways that “identify and close equity gaps by improving access to and completion of high-skill/high-wage CTE opportunities”. However, is it a requirement to build new pathways only in “high-wage sectors”? This is not clear in the RFA and appears for the first time in the bidder’s conference Q&A. If it is now a requirement, will you please define “high-wage sector”?
No, it is not a requirement to only build pathways in high wage sectors, however applicants are to align their pathways with the community college region priority. If you choose an area outside your region's priority sector, if efforts or partnerships have already begun, you should provide evidence for growth in that sector. Use your advisory information or other labor market information to justify your investment idea. The labor market data should show ow an increase in a pathway can improve the unemployment rate, and lead students from secondary to post-secondary.
7. Pg. 34 of the RFA says “the K12 grant recipients must submit the required end-of-the-year files to CDE by November 1, immediately following the fiscal year of which data are being reported.” It goes on to say “grant recipients must also notify the region’s K14 TAP that data has been reported by the due date.” Is this referring to CALPADS? Please also clarify if this is a separate requirement than the CalPASS Plus due dates provided on Table 9, pg. 35.
This is referring to data that will be reported into Cal-PASS Plus.
8. Does the ADA consider District or Site Numbers?
NOVA calculates the ADA of the LEA applying. Under legislation those LEAs can consist of Districts, Regional Occupation Center or Program (ROC/P), Charter Schools, or County Offices of Education (COE).
9. Do we have to wait until Spring/Fall 2022 to create the new pathways or are pathways new this fall fundable for their second semester?
The performance period for the Round 4 K12 Strong Workforce Program begins in January 2022 and these grant funds cannot be allocated for an activity until the performance period begins.
10. If we plan on working on all 4 strategies, do we just list one, or can we list all 4?
Yes, you may list all 4 strategies.
11. When we enter the strategies, do we put the strategies we are using the funds for, or the strategies for our program in the 2021-22 school year? For example, if we are adding a pathway, but we are using other funds for that, should we mention that?
You are not required to list the pathway if you are using other funds. You are encouraged to share how the K12 Strong Workforce Program is leveraging other resources.
12. During the presentation, it was mentioned that quarterly reporting was going to be required, but in the RFA it is stated that 5 Progress and Expenditure Reports via the NOVA system, 3 Annual Course Data Reports via Cal-PASS Plus, and 1 Final Expenditure and Outcome Report via the NOVA system would be required?
The slides did not reflect the new reporting deadlines. Progress and Expenditure reporting will be on a bi-annual timeline.
Eligible Applicants
1. Can an LEA submit their own application and participate in 3 applications as part of a consortium? Or is the limit of 3 a hard limit?
LEAs are limited to submitting no more than three K12 SWP applications as a Lead Agency or as a K–12 Partner Agency per funding cycle.
2. Can LEA's be in a consortium across regions?
LEAs may be in a consortium across regions and may apply in each region within which they have a site but are limited to submitting no more than three applications total as either a Lead or a K–12 Partner Agency.
3. Can an ROP be a lead LEA for organizations/districts that do not officially belong to the ROP?
Partner LEAs do not have to be part of your ROP.
4. Are applicants required to partner with the area/regional community college that their students feed into? Or can they partner with community colleges outside of their service area?
LEA’s must partner with a community college within their service area. To obtain permission to partner with a college outside of the service area, the in-service area college must sign a “first right of refusal form” and a copy of the form, signed by the CIO, must be retained by both the LEA and the Community College that is outside of the LEA’s service are. The LEA still applies for funds from the Regional Consortium in which the LEA or LEA site is principally located, not the Regional Consortium of the partnering community college or community college district.
5. If a charter school is part of a school district, can they submit an application? Or does it have to be an independent charter school?
Charter schools, both independent and under the authority of a school district, are eligible LEA Applicants. However, that charter cannot participate in more than three applications as a Lead Agency or as a K–12 Partner Agency per funding cycle.
6. When you refer to partnering between a LEA and community college, are you requiring an articulation agreement sometime during the grant period?
No articulation agreements are not a required outcome for a partnership. The expected outcomes should be described in the work plan that is part of the application.
7. Is an LEA able to submit one application for multiple pathways at their site correct?
Yes, a single application can include multiple pathways.
8. Are we able to have adult schools be participants? Or is the emphasis on partnering with the community college? What about Special Education students?
Adult Education Programs are not eligible to apply as a Lead Agency nor to be listed as a K–12 Partner Agency. However, an Adult Education Program may be included under a district LEA Lead or K–12 Partner Agency applicant, if the program serves students under the age of 18, as approved by the local board. Adult Education Programs may also be included in the application as a Collaborative Partner, working with K–12 LEAs, community colleges, and other stakeholders to support pathways to higher education and employment for all students (page 9 of RFA).
Application Specifics
1. Should we include data in our Problem Statement?
Yes, your Problem Statement should be evidence-based and cite data that supports the stated needs.
2. Are districts limited to writing the grant to fund only the specific industry sectors prioritized in our region?
The intent of the K12 SWP is to fund programs and pathways at the K–12 level that are responsive to the regional priorities and are aligned with regional workforce needs.
3. Are letters of commitment from a partner community college required? If not, how do applicants demonstrate they have approval for proposed partner activities from the community college if letters of support are not required?
Letters of commitment are not required however, applicants must include contact information for all identified partners and all partners will be included in application communications. The LEA–community college collaboration is a mutually beneficial partnership and all parties should be made aware of and agree to proposed activities.
4. Are the local community colleges limited to partnering with 3 entities?
No, since community colleges cannot be Lead applicants they may partner with multiple (more than 3) LEAs.
CTEIG Evaluation
1. CTEIG is only requiring a copy and paste from the 2019-20 High Quality CTE Program Evaluation, will that be acceptable for the Strong Workforce K12 RFA?
The 2019-20 High Quality CTE Program Evaluation will be acceptable if it was submitted previously. If you are a brand new applicant, you must fill out the 2020-21 High Quality CTE Program Evaluation.
2. Can the High Quality CTE Program Evaluation be uploaded to NOVA or does everything need to be retyped into the platform?
The 2019-20 High Quality CTE Program Evaluation should be completed off line and uploaded in "Supporting Documents" tab of the NOVA system.
3. The RFA states, “2018-19 High quality CTE Program Evaluation” is that supposed to be 2019-20?
The RFA has since been updated to align with CTEIG's requirements. The 2019-20 High Quality CTE Program Evaluation is acceptable for those reapplying while new applicants must upload the 2020-21 High Quality CTE Program Evaluation.
ADA
1. How is elementary school ADA entered if they are partner agencies in the grant since (they were not included in the pull down last year) and they do not have HQT evaluation forms.
ADA is captured starting at 7th grade through 12th grade.
Scoring & Evaluation
1. Does the region decide which application is funded, and is there a correlation between the scoring points and the percentage of funds requested to the funds awarded?
Each Regional Consortium has a K12 Selection Committee that is responsible for reviewing and scoring applications within its region. The K12 Selection Committee can take a variety of factors into consideration in making their funding decisions and are not required to fund the highest scoring applications if these applications are determined not to align with the regional plans or do not meet regional economic needs.
2. If an area is required but not scored, how do we account for that in the overall scoring? For example, if a section is left out, like documentation or pathway info, do points need to be taken away? If so, how many?
Sections of the application identified as "required" but not scored must be completed and/or included to be considered for award. While these sections are not scored they must be completed to be considered for funding. See page 21 of the K12 SWP RFA for a complete list of sections.
3. Is there a reason that the grant review committee would choose to not fund one of the highest scoring applications, yet choose to fund several other lower scoring applications? Who is providing oversight to prevent "politics"?
The purpose of the Selection Committee is to award funds to those plans/programs that are most responsive to the region's economic priorities, labor market needs, and consortium goals. At the start of the review process each regional Selection Committee elects a chair and/or co-chairs depending upon the size of the region and the number of applications anticipated. The primary role of chairs is to facilitate the scoring and deliberation process. The K12 Selection Committee can take a variety of factors into consideration in making their funding decisions and are not required to fund the highest scoring applications if these applications are determined to be duplicative in nature, not aligned with the regional plans, or do not meet regional economic needs.
Unemployment Rate
1. What is the CA unemployment rate that we'll be comparing to?
Per the California Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 2019–20 an Area of Substantial Unemployment is defined as at or above 6.451%.
2. Will local unemployment rate be evaluated at the sub-county/city level this time to account for differences?
Unemployment rate is evaluated at the County level.
3. Is unemployment rate data from one specific month or an average of 12 months?
The State unemployment rate is based on a 12 month average. The 6.451% that is referenced in the RFA was last captured in February from the California Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 2019-20.
Allowable Expenditures
1. Can SWP K12 funds be used to pay for student internships?
Funds may not be used to compensate students in an internship environment. Funds may be used to provide student supports such as costs associated with supporting students to find, apply, and interview for internships.
2. Can SWP K12 funds be used to pay for tutoring services and cohort coaches to support students in their classes?
Yes, K12 SWP funds can be used to pay the salaries of certified and classified staff directly supporting your CTE program/pathway.
3. Can SWP K12 funds be used to pay for scrubs for students who need them to participate in an internship?
Materials (Scrubs) may be purchased and kept on site for the interns to use. The intern is not allowed to keep the materials (scrubs) once the internship has concluded.
4. Can SWP K12 funds be used to pay students that go to school but also do on the job training?
No, K12 SWP funds cannot be used to pay students since this would be considered a gift of public funds, which is prohibited by law.
5. Are subcontractors with non-LEAs (or ROPs, COEs) to deliver student services an allowable use of funds?
Grantees may utilize funds to contract for services. LEA’s must adhere to district contracting and procurement guidelines. Grantees should consider how these services would be provided post the grant funding to ensure sustainability of the program.
6. Can a district retain a Chamber of Commerce to help create student internships?
Grantees may retain the services of an intermediary to assist in the creation of student internships. LEA’s must adhere to district contracting and procurement guidelines. They should consider how these services will be provided post the grant funding to ensure sustainability of the program.
7. Can SWP K12 funds be used to pay for consultants that are helping us build the pathways?
Grantees may procure the services of subject matter experts to assist in the development of career pathways. They must adhere to district contracting and procurement guidelines.
CTE Credentials
1. Are the Strong Workforce K12 grant funds only to be used for CTE credentialed teachers and to be coded as a CTE course in CALPADS?
Yes, these are CTE specific funds and must be used and coded that way.
2. Can coaches or consultants be paid through CTEIG dollars even if they do not have a CTE credential, as long as the program is taught by a CTE credentialed teacher?
Coaches and consultants can be paid for with CTEIG dollars, but they will have to specifically explain how they support CTE.
3. Can you use K12 SWP money to pay for Contract Education through a community college for a college instructor to come to the HS campus to teach a specific class that the school wants to start a pathway in but is not able to hire a CTE credentialed teacher?
We would encourage CC’s and LEA’s to consider dual enrollment as an alternative option. Community colleges may obtain apportionment funding for courses taught as part of an AB288 agreement. This type of partnership builds seamless transitions from HS to Community College within a designated pathway and allows for CTE courses to be taught during the day within the bell schedule at a partner high school.
4. Can Strong Workforce K12 grant funds be used for career pathway expenses, for courses/programs that are not technically CTE (7000/8000 course code)?
Yes, provided the courses are a part of the documented pathway and are not the only courses being offered in the pathway.
5. Many of our adult school teachers have been working as full-time high school CTE teachers. However, their budgeted goal code is linked to the ROP center (4630) rather than goal codes 3800 or 6000. Does their actual job (HS CTE teacher) trump their goal code?
Yes, the job role should trump the goal code.
Matching
1. Will CTEIG be an allowable monetary match?
No per the legislation CTEIG is not an allowable match source (see page 13 of the RFA for acceptable financial match sources).
2. What is the difference between in-kind and financial matching? What are some examples of acceptable and unacceptable matching fund sources?
In-kind refers to non- cash or monetary resources, for example the donation of equipment, services and/or supplies. These sources are not considered monetary and cannot be included as match.
3. Would match funds from the community college count as financial match?
Yes, this type of blending is encouraged to leverage funding for a successful pathway improvement.
4. Can you explain the rationale behind requiring a 2-1 match for LEAs?
This is a legislative requirement per Education Code, Sections 88828 (c)(1)(A)(B).
5. If an application does not meet the requirements of the match, will that application still be scored?
No, an application that does not meet the proportional dollar match is ineligible and will not be scored or considered for award.
6. Do matching funds need to be goal coded 3800?
They can be goal coded as 3800 or 6000; this is what is required for CTEIG.
7. Does the match all have to come from the current application year or can it come from the total years covered by the grant?
Match should be expended at the same rate that grant dollars are expended. The match should be captured quarterly and reported in the NOVA reporting system.
8. Salaries can be used correct? If so, then non CTE credentialed teachers such as English credential can be used to match if they are guiding part of the instruction for college and career exploration?
Salaries used as match must be proportional to what is applicable to the grant-funded program. For example: if an English teacher has 5 classes during the day and only 2 of those classes are taught as part of the CTE pathway then the proportion of their salary that is the 2 classes is what can be used as match for the grant. Time and effort needs to be documented to demonstrate that this is being used as match.
9. How can a teacher's salary be counted as a match (funds from local funds)? I thought salary and persons' time is considered in-kind?
Salaries used as match must be proportional to what is applicable to the grant-funded program. For example: if an English teacher has 5 classes during the day and only 2 of those classes are taught as part of the CTE pathway then the proportion of their salary that is the 2 classes is what can be used as match for the grant. Time and effort needs to be documented to demonstrate that this is being used as match.
10. Why do community colleges in the SWP grant have NO match required but K12 districts do?
That is how the legislation was written, per Education Code, Sections 88828 (c)(1)(A)(B).
11. Are LCFF considered in-kind or actual monetary?
LCFF funds are considered cash match as long as they are used for the direct benefit of the program being funded by SWP K12 funds.
12. Re: LCFF -- So for instance: the work an administrator (principal or CTE administrator) does to support/administer the SWF grant would count as a match.
Only the allocable portion that directly benefits the program would count as match.
13. Can bond funds be used as a match?
Bond funds may be used as match but they must be specific to CTE.
14. If a donation from a partner is equipment, can the value of that equipment be cash match?
No, the value of equipment is not considered financial but in-kind therefore is not an allowable match.
Miscellaneous
1. Is the VRC website accessible for K12? How can we get access to the VRC website if we are not a Community College employee?
The VRC is accessible by the Pathway Coordinators and the K-14 TAPs. Please work with those individuals to obtain information that you need.
2. Can Strong Workforce K12 grant funds be used for K-7 career prep courses like Computer Science?
No, K12 SWP funds can only serve students in grade 7 through 12.
3. Can an online educational platform that focuses on college and career readiness with high school’s to support their career pathways be eligible to apply to this program or do they have to partner with a community college and have them apply?
Only Local Education Agencies (LEAs) specifically school districts, county offices of education, charter schools, and regional occupation centers or programs are eligible for K12 SWP funds.
4. How do you gather consent from other districts if applying as a consortium? Do you need some type of MOU in place with each district before the grant is submitted?
Please consult with your Regional Consortium and K-14 Tap for guidance on what will be acceptable in your region.
5. If you apply as a consortium, do each of your partners have to have access to the plan in NOVA and do they have to approve it?
If applying as a consortium, the Lead LEA applicant must submit a work plan that identifies each partner as well as their role and responsibilities therefore it is critical that each partner is award of and approves the consortium's plan.
6. Do Charter Schools need to apply with the local community college as a partner?
Yes, all eligible LEAs must partner with at least one community college/community college district.
Eligible Applicants and Eligibility Requirements
a. How many applications can an LEA submit?
Local Education Agencies (LEAs) are limited to submitting no more than three K12 SWP applications as a Lead Agency or as a K–12 Partner Agency per funding cycle (see F1. Partnerships of the K12 SWP 2020 RFA for more details).
b. If multiple LEAs want to come together as a consortium to apply, do they submit a single application? If one member of the consortia also wants to go it alone, do they submit a second application?
Yes. The consortium would submit a single application, listing one LEA as the Lead Agency and all of the other LEAs as Partner Agencies. An LEA can be a partner on one application (as a consortium) and submit a second application on their own as the Lead Agency. However, an LEA can only be named as the Lead Agency and or Partner Agency on no more than three (3) K12 SWP applications per funding cycle.
c. Are charter schools eligible? If so, can a charter school organization with sites around the state submit an application for each region where they have a school site?
Yes, as an LEA, charter schools are eligible to apply for K12 SWP funds.
As an LEA a charter school can be named as the Lead Agency and/or Partner Agency on no more than three (3) K12 SWP application per funding cycle. The physical location of a charter school site will determine what geographic region the charter school organization can apply. The charter school site must be geographically located within the region for which it applies. Also, a statewide charter may not use funding received from an application submitted in one region to fund a charter located in another region without written consent of both regions.
d. Is a partnership with a California Community College suggested or required? If so, what is the role of the community college?
To receive K12 SWP funds an LEA must partner with at least one community college. It is allowable and encouraged for LEAs to partner with multiple community colleges or community college districts.
The LEA–community college collaboration is an opportunity to bridge CTE programs as coherent K–14 pathways, designed to be a mutually beneficial partnership. The LEA can leverage the SWP efforts and resources of the partnering community college, while the community college can anticipate prepared, incoming students for their pathways and better predict student enrollment levels. Moreover, students and employers benefit when students are able to more fully develop knowledge, skills, and abilities through participation in a longer sequence of aligned instruction.
K12 SWP Award Process and Amounts Awarded
a. How are award decisions made? Who makes final award decisions?
Each application is read and scored by a minimum of three K12 SWP Selection Committee members using the K12 SWP scoring rubric. Applications are scored on a 100-point scale and a minimum average score of 75 points must be obtained during the review process to be considered eligible for funding. Per Education Code §88829, award decisions are made by each region’s K12 SWP Selection Committee (see K12 SWP Selection Committee for more details).
b. What additional factors are considered in awarding funds?
The K12 Selection Committee can take a variety of factors into consideration in making their funding decisions including how well plans align with the regional plans and meet regional economic needs.
Per Education Code §88830, to help ensure that K12 SWP funds are supporting underserved student populations while meeting the intentions of the initiative, the K12 Selection Committee will give positive considerations via points to applications that serve underserved student populations (see E. Positive Considerations of the K12 SWP 2020 RFA for more details).
c. If a region is unable to fund the full grant application amount, would the grant application be awarded a partial amount, or would the grant application not be funded?
If the application budget exceeds the maximum amount allowed as specified in the RFA, the application may be rejected by the regional Selection Committee. LEAs can also expect that award amounts may be adjusted according to how well the application meets the priorities for funding and the outcomes for students. Funding decisions are made by the Selection Committee for each Region.
K12 SWP Selection Committee
a. What was the process for choosing the K12 SWP Selection Committee? Are new committees formed each year?
In 2018, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) and the California Department of Education (CDE) solicited online applications for individuals interested in serving a two-cycle term as a K12 Selection Committee member. From these applications, each Regional Consortium Review Team selected qualified candidates for the two year term. In regions where there has been attrition, the Selection Committee vacancies are replaced using the same application and selection process as established in 2018.
b. Who serves on the K12 Selection Committee? What training do they receive?
The K12 SWP relies on the input and expertise of multiple stakeholders, from teachers to business leaders, each with a deep understanding of the needs as well as the opportunities of their particular region. Regional K12 Selection Committee teams are comprised of of K–12 CTE teachers and administrators, charter school staff, career guidance counselors, representatives from regional industries, community college faculty and administrators, as well as staff from county offices of education (COEs) and regional occupational centers and programs (ROCPs). Over the past two years, K12 Selection Committee size varied from six members to 29 members, depending on the region, with a majority of members representing K–12.
Selection Committee members participate in a rigorous and collaborative training process using standard materials across the regions to ensure equitable and consistent scoring and aligned to the intent of the K12 SWP.
The K12 Selection Committee is an autonomous group and participation is voluntary but requires a significant time commitment. Selection Committee members receive CCCCO and CDE-sponsored training on the intent of the K12 SWP, calibrating of scores, scoring applications using the scoring rubric, and using NOVA (the online application and reporting platform for K12 SWP).
Per K12 SWP legislation, funding decisions are made by the Selection Committee for each Region.
c. Who governs regional Selection Committees?
At the start of the review process each regional Selection Committee elects a chair and/or co-chairs depending upon the size of the region and the number of applications anticipated. The primary role of chairs is to facilitate the scoring and deliberation process. Chairs receive ongoing support through the scoring and deliberation process through weekly meetings with the CCCCO and Regional Chairs.
d. If you serve as a K12 Selection Committee member is your LEA ineligible to apply? How do you ensure impartiality?
Your LEA may still submit an application, but the K12 Selection Committee member must recuse him or herself when deliberating on their LEA’s application.
K12 Selection Committee members sign a letter of confidentiality and are held to an ethical standard as called out in legislation to avoid conflict of interest. The region relies on each individual’s professionalism and has also put some process safeguards in place. For example, each application is read by a minimum of three members and a member cannot review or score their own application or an application in which they can directly benefit. If the there is a wide variance between the top and bottom scores additional members are assigned to read and score the application. It will be the responsibility of the K12 Selection Committee to ensure that all applications are reviewed without bias and that all LEAs are provided access to K12 SWP funding.
Application Process and the NOVA Platform
a. Why has the K12 SWP application changed with each funding cycle?
An essential component of the K12 SWP is engaging in continuous improvement. To that end, after each funding cycle the CCCCO collects data and feedback via surveys, interviews, and focus groups from multiple stakeholders. Each year, the feedback received has resulted in significant changes and improvements to the K12 SWP application, outreach, materials, and training.
b. Can an LEA apply for both CTEIG and K12 SWP funds?
Yes. CTEIG and K12 SWP are complimentary initiatives designed to lead more secondary students to successfully transition to postsecondary education to earn an industry-valued degree, certificate, or training for employment. Both CTEIG and K12 SWP target K-12, a key emphasis of K12 SWP is to increase intersegmental collaboration between the K–12 and community college systems to develop high-quality K–14 CTE pathways for students. A partnership with a community college is required for all LEA applicants for K12 SWP funding. Such a partnership is encouraged for high-quality CTE pathways and programs with CTEIG funds.
c. Why are K12 SWP applicants required to complete and upload a High-Quality CTE Program Evaluation?
Each LEA that is a Lead or K–12 Partner Agency is required to upload a completed High Quality CTE Program Evaluation that reflects the current practice of existing programs. LEAs that have applied for CTEIG funds will upload the same High-Quality CTE Program Evaluation used in their most recent CTEIG application. The Program Evaluation is not scored for the K12 SWP application, but rather a self-assessment tool to help inform planning. By completing the Program Evaluation, an LEA can identify strengths and areas of improvement in its CTE programs and develop plans using the K12 SWP Work Plan accordingly.
Application and Grantee Support
a. What support is available to applicants and grantees?
Interested K12SWP applicants have access to a number of informational and training sessions including a Bidder’s Conference Webinar and regional information sessions (see L. Calendar of Key Dates for K12 SWP Grant Cycle for more information).
In addition to these sessions, K12 SWP applicants and awardees have access to a tiered system of support. These include K14 Technical Assistance Providers (K14TAPs) and K12 Pathways Coordinators (K12PCs) who also support the work of CTEIG. The 72 K12 PCs (1 for each of the 72 California community college districts) will be supported by 8 K14 TAPs (1 for each region). The role of these professionals is to support outreach, share critical labor market information, and provide regional leadership in the development, administration, and organization of Pathway development and improvement efforts. Collectively, their role is to support, link, and align program development efforts funded by CTEIG, CC Strong Workforce, and K12 SWP.
Apportionment/Funding
1.1 Is funding for K12 SWP “ongoing”?
Yes, K12 SWP funding is an ongoing part of the California state education budget. LEAs will receive $150 million annually as the state budget is enacted each year.
1.2 How much are the K12 SWP funding levels per LEA?
Funding levels are based on total Average Daily Attendance (ADA) of all the applying LEAs (both lead and partner agencies). In 2019–20, the maximum allowable funding amounts based on the ADA totals of the participating LEAs are: 1) No more than $250,000 for ADA up to 140; 2) No more than $500,000 for ADA up to 550; 3) No more than $1,000,000 for ADA up to 10,000; and 4) No more than $2,000,000 for over 10,000 ADA.
1.3 If funding is “ongoing” do you have to re-apply for funding for each cycle?
Yes, you have to re-apply for funding for each cycle. K12 SWP will allow for up to a 30-month spending period for each awarded grant. An LEA can apply in year 2, year 3 and so on to continue scaling your pathway improvement, and transitioning students from secondary to postsecondary. LEAs should plan strategically for how to roll out and ramp up pathway improvements over multiple cycles of funding and to leverage funding with other sources.
1.4 Since K12 SWP offers multi-year funding, do we ask for all the funding in our application up front or ask for funding each cycle?
Funded applications have 30 months in which to expend the funds. (e.g., Grants awarded in the spring 2020 will have until December 31, 2022 to expend the funds.) Obtaining a K12 SWP grant in the first year will not preclude you from applying again when second- and third-year funding is released. Subsequent funding requests could be to augment, add to the pathway improvement, or to scale. The 30-month window is a way to add stability to enable funding decisions.
1.5 How many applications can an LEA submit?
Beginning in 2019-20, LEAs can submit up to three applications for K12 SWP funds per year. Whether an LEA is listed as a lead agency or a partner agency, the LEA is limited to three applications.
1.6 Can we use community college SWP funds as match?
Yes. The $248 million SWP funding for community colleges can be used as matching funds.
1.7 Can funds be used for code upgrades or to improve facilities?
No, funds cannot be used for code upgrades or facility costs, but you can use K12 SWP funds to purchase equipment.
1.8 Can we use career education facilities funds as match?
No, facilities funding (eg. Prop 51) is restricted from being a match.
1.9 What is the breakdown of LEA size (enrollment) and funding allocation? Do we know how much is earmarked for small LEAs?
K12 Strong Workforce Program sets aside the following percentage of funding in a region by ADA:
- 4% of funding is designated for total ADA 140 or less
- 8% of funding is designated for total ADA 141–550
- 88% of funding is designated for total ADA above 550
The program allows the K-12 Selection Committee to determine otherwise in consultation with the regional consortium.
1.10 If we don’t receive funding in the first round, can we re-apply during the next funding cycle?
Yes. LEAs are encouraged to apply for future funding cycles.
1.11 If the grant application ask is too much, would the awarded amount be adjusted or would the grant application be declined in whole?
If the application budget exceeds the maximum amount allowed as specified in the Request for Applications, the application may be rejected by the Regional Selection Committee. LEAs can also expect that award amounts might be adjusted according to how well the Selection Committee determines that the application meets the priorities for funding and the outcomes for students.
1.12 Credentialed teachers for many pathways are difficult to find. Does funding allow for paying a non-credentialed CTE teacher?
All CTE teachers should have a CA CTE teacher credential. However, some pathway courses may be taught by non-CTE credentialed teachers, and K12 SWP does support the efforts of those teachers. Refer to Appendix B: Guidelines, Definitions, and Allowable Expenditures in the RFA for specifics and guidelines.
1.13 What percentage of award amount should we/can we invest in personnel?
Financially strong districts have a rule of thumb to not spend more than 75% of a categorical on personnel cost. In a few years’ time, your career education programs may need a monies retool/upgrade to keep them relevant. So, it is best to give yourself some financial flexibility by not committing all your pathway improvement funds to ongoing personnel costs.
1.14 Can the award of CTEIG funds preclude you from receiving SWP funds? Are these truly separate?
The applications and awards for CTEIG and K12 SWP are separate. LEAs that have been awarded CTEIG funds are encouraged to apply for K12 SWP funds to strengthen the CTE efforts. K12 SWP applicants will be asked to show how the two sources can complement each other.
1.15 We want to continue the good work that we started with the structure of this grant. How do we hold on to talent when we have multiple funding streams with different timelines and outcomes? Need clarification and guidance.
Funds are designed to help an LEA think strategically about programs, and to reach the intended outcomes for student attainment called out for under K12 SWP. The 30-month expenditure window, allowing LEAs to submit applications each year, and the on-going nature of these funds may enable LEAs to attain some increased stability over previous funding streams for productive investments. LEAs are encouraged to become actively engaged in their region’s planning process. The regional plans are an important determinant of how grants are awarded. Over time a region may craft plans that move towards greater stability for particularly successful investments. LEAs should avoid supplanting funds.
Match Funds
2.1 Are the dollars aligned to WIOA?
Yes. Funding and metrics are aligned with WIOA to incentivize collaboration with Workforce Development Boards where doing so strengthens pathways.
Strong Workforce or WIOA-aligned funding can be used as a match. Legislation also encourages the use of philanthropic dollars.
2.2 Can community colleges match funds?
Yes, and this type of blending is encouraged to leverage funding for a successful pathway improvement.
2.3 What are the matching expectations?
All K12 SWP grantees are required to provide a proportional dollar match:
- For ROCPs operated either by a joint powers authority or by a county office of education, one dollar ($1) for every one dollar ($1) awarded. The ROCP needs to be the Lead Agency on the application.
- For all other LEAs, two dollars ($2) for every one dollar ($1) awarded.
Match funds can come from many sources, including your district, partnering community colleges, and industry partners. Match funds may be financial matches and in-kind matches, but financial matches must constitute 50% or more of the required match amount. CTEIG funds, among others, are not permitted as match funding. The Request for Application provides a complete list of acceptable and unacceptable financial match sources.
Pathway & Industry Sectors
3.1 We’ve worked hard to align our career technical education courses with the industry sectors. Will the options for choosing pathways be aligned to the industry sectors?
Yes, CDE and CCCCO created a crosswalk to align industry sectors.
3.2 Are “sectors” in the Strong Workforce the same as “pathways” in K–12?
California Community Colleges use the term “sectors” to describe each of the 15 priority areas, which often translate to “pathways” in high schools. The sectors between the systems have been crosswalked.
3.3 How can we learn about what industry sector programs currently exist in California high schools?
To learn more about the different industry sectors visit the CCCCO K12 SWP website.
3.4 Can we do a pathway improvement if it doesn’t match the career technical education available at the local community college, but rather the region?Yes, if the industry data sector supports the need for the region. Always look for making a connection between secondary and postsecondary.
Applying as a Consortia (or Statewide Charter School)
4.1 If multiple LEAs want to come together as a consortium to apply, do they submit a single application? And if one member of the consortia also wants to go it alone, do they submit a second application?
Yes. The consortium would submit a single application, listing one LEA as the lead agency and all of the other LEAs as partner agencies. An LEA can be a partner on one application and submit a second application as lead agency on their own. However, an LEA can only request K12 SWP funds on a total of 3 applications as a lead or partner agency.
When deciding whether to apply as a single applicant or as a consortium, we recommend that you propose a pathway improvement that will move the outcomes, and then let the configuration follow. Determine whether collaborative opportunities might help inform or drive the pathway improvement.
4.2 Do charter school organizations with sites around the state need to submit a proposal for each region?
The physical location the charter school site will determine what geographic region they can apply. The site must be geographically located within the region for which it applies. A statewide charter may not use funding from one region in another region without written consent of both regions.
Partnering with and Role of Community College
5.1 What is the role of the community college?
The role of the community college is to be a collaborator and communicator in this process, as well as to discuss how they are spending their SWP funds and how to share knowledge and resources, including match funds, with the LEA. K12 SWP is an opportunity for the community college and LEA to bridge their CTE programs as coherent K–14 pathways.
5.2 Our LEA is partnering with our local CC. Who is the lead agency?
For the K12 SWP the LEA is always the lead agency. It is implicit that there is a partnership between the CC and the LEA.
5.3 In the application, can you align with multiple community colleges?
Yes, you can align with multiple community colleges to strengthen K–14 CTE programs and pathways. The goal of K12 SWP is to increase the transition for students between secondary to postsecondary education and ultimately, to employment.
5.4 Is there an advantage to applications aligned with a community college? If so, what does that collaboration look like? What can community colleges do now to foster these relationships?
K12 SWP requires a partnership between the LEA and a community college. We recommend a deliberate, collaborative model that includes leadership from both the LEAs and the CCs. Frequent communication and meetings are necessary. A shared leadership model is desired.
5.5 If we have more than one CC in our region, do we choose one to partner with? Or more?
Applicants can work with multiple CCs, both within your region and in another so long as you select the CC with which you can build the secondary to postsecondary pathway for students. Target the intended student outcomes. Students should have multiple on-ramps and off-ramps for learning as a goal.
Application Process on NOVA Platform
6.1 Is there a budget section in the application?
Yes. The budget page in the application will require a budget by object codes and match information for each participating institution that is receiving grant funds or contributing to the match. The lead LEA will need to consent to assurances for use of funds on career education only.
6.2 With ADA numbers automatically populating the application, how do applicants address it when based on applying on behalf of subsets of schools (as opposed to an entire LEA/district)?
There will be an opportunity in the application to edit the ADA that was auto-populated. Legislation calls for the P2 ADA number.
6.3 When will you be issuing user names and passwords for NOVA?
Applicants that are new to the NOVA system will be given an opportunity to create a new NOVA account with a sign-up link. If you already have a K12 SWP NOVA account but can’t remember your login information, please use the forgot my password feature.
6.4 Will NOVA let us edit our application over time?
Yes, it is intended to support edits and flexibility, and it is intended to be a collaborative tool for you and your partners. Use the same username and password to login.
K12 SWP Selection Committee
7.1 Can we establish K12 Selection Committees for each of our sub-regions?
Per Education Code §88829, each Strong Workforce Program regional consortium shall establish one K12 Selection Committee. We suggest using a regional model that ensures equal representation from sub-regions one the one K12 Selection Committee, if so desired.
7.2 What was the process for choosing the K12 SWP Selection Committee?
In 2018, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the California Department of Education solicited online applications for individuals interested in serving a two-cycle term as a K12 Selection Committee member. Each Regional Consortium Review Team identified qualified candidates and nominated a group of up to 24 candidates with expertise in K–12 CTE and workforce development, representing six roles (e.g., K-12 CTE teachers and administrators, guidance career counselor, charter school representative, industry representative, at least one community college faculty or administrator) and reflecting the region’s subgroups and the same diversity of the student population. The CCCCO and CDE made final decisions.
7.3 Who will be on the K12 Selection Committee? New committee each year? How do you ensure impartiality?
The K12 Selection Committee participants are called out in legislation and is made up of K–12, community college, and industry representatives. The K12 Selection Committee is an autonomous group that receive training on NOVA (the online application and reporting platform for K12 SWP) and use a rubric to award funding. K12 Selection Committee members sign a letter of confidentiality and are held to an ethical threshold as called out in legislation to avoid conflict of interest. Members are asked for a two-year commitment to ensure institutional knowledge of pathway improvements and the intended outcomes. The region will rely on professionalism but will also put some process safeguards in place.
7.4 If you apply to be on the K12 Selection Committee is your LEA ineligible to apply?
Your LEA still may apply for funding, but the K12 Selection Committee member should not vote on funding their own pathway improvement application. It will be the responsibility of the K12 Selection Committee to ensure that all applications are reviewed without bias and that all LEAs are provided access to K12 SWP funding.
K14 Technical Assistance Providers (TAPs)
8.1 How many Technical Assistance Providers will be hired per region?Legislation calls for eight K14 TAPs, one per community college region.
K12 SWP Metrics
9.1 What are the K12 SWP metrics for measuring program success?
The K12 SWP Metrics are designed to measure student-level outcomes from K–12 to postsecondary education and employment.
The K12 SWP Metrics that measure K–12 student-level outcomes:
- Completed 2+ CTE courses in high school in the same program of study.
- Completed 2+ CTE courses in high school in the same program of study that include early college credit, work-based learning, or third-party certification.
- Graduated high school.
- Enrolled in a CA Community College within one year of leaving secondary school.
The K12 SWP Metrics that measure postsecondary student-level outcomes:
- Entered registered apprenticeship after participation in high school pre-apprenticeship program.
- Enrolled in another form of job training (other than CA Community College).
- Completed 9+ CTE units in first year of CA Community College.
- Attained a CA Community College certificate/degree or journey level status.
- Transferred to a four-year institution after exiting CA Community College.
The K12 SWP Metrics that measure employment student-level outcomes:
- Employed in a job closely related to field of study after exiting CA Community College.
- Median annual earnings of students after exiting CA Community College.
- Attained a living wage after exiting CA Community College.
9.2 How do we collect student data for the K12 SWP metrics?
K12 SWP grant receipients do not need to collect extra data elements in addition to those required by CDE. All LEAS -- Lead and K12 Partner Agencies -- must sign an MOU with Cal-PASS Plus to facilitate the sharing of data between CDE's data system and Cal-PASS Plus.
Miscellaneous Questions
10.1 Do career technical education teachers need to be credentialed?
Yes, all state credentialing rules apply. Please check with your district or county credential analyst for more information on the appropriate credential.
10.2 Where can we find submission planning timelines/deadlines?
All information regarding timelines for the K12 SWP can be found on the K12 Strong Workforce Program website.
10.3 How does this look for continuation education?
Continuation education and other alternative models can be used to build the pathway improvement. Target students in your application that continuation education serves.
10.4 Are there considerations for county offices that support incarcerated youth?
Yes, if the pathway can lead students into college and career, then consider pathway improvements that might serve this population.
10.5 Are the deadlines presented statewide or for our region?
Deadlines are statewide.
10.6 Is there a cost for signing the memorandum of understanding (MOU) for CALPASS?
No cost for the MOU.
10.7 What are the data analytics used for?
They are used to measure the metrics called out in the legislation. We will employ data to tell the story of pathway improvement and other goals for K12 SWP funding.
10.8 Do CA Partnership Academy grants still exist?
Yes.
DATE | EVENT |
---|---|
September 18, 2019 | K12 SWP Introductory Webinar – Guidance to field announcing K12 SWP Funding Opportunity (A joint CDE/CCCCO statewide communication) |
October 1, 2019 | Release of K12 SWP Request for Applications and Scoring Rubric |
September 17 through November 12, 2019 | Regional Engagement Information Sessions |
October 16, 2019 | Questions Submission Deadline.Email questions |
October 21, 2019, 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm PST | Bidder's Conference Webinar |
November 1 through December 18, 2019 | K12 SWP Online Application submission window in NOVA |
December 18, 2019, 5:00 pm PST | K12 SWP Applications due in NOVA system |
March 11, 2020 | Appeals due to SWP Regional Consortium |
April 10, 2020 | SWP Regional Consortia communicate intent to award funds to LEAs and initiate subcontract process |
December 31, 2022 | K12 SWP project term ends |
K12 SWP - 2021-22 Intent to Award - February 14,2022
K12 SWP - Reporting Timeline Extension - January 28, 2022
K12 SWP - Corrections to Reporting Timelines - October 20, 2021
K12 SWP - Updated Reporting Timelines - October 11, 2021
K12 SWP - Request for Application Release - August 16, 2021
K12 SWP 2020-2021 Intent to Award Memorandum
K12 SWP Online Reporting Instructions & Deadlines
K12 Strong Workforce Program Intent to Award 2019-20. March 10, 2020
K12 Strong Workforce Program Allocation Revision 2019-20. March 10, 2020
Webinar Collections
K12 SWP - Required Data Upload Webinar - Power Point Slides
K12 SWP - Required Data Upload Webinar - Q&A
K12 SWP Funding Opportunity - Bidder's Conference Webinar - Recording
K12 SWP Funding Opportunity - Bidder's Conference Webinar - Power Point Slides
K12 SWP - NOVA Platform Training - 2021-22 Application Workflow - Recording
K12 SWP Cal-PASS Plus Required Data Upload Webinar - Recording
K12 SWP Cal-PASS Plus Required Data Upload Webinar - Power Point Slides
K12 SWP Required Data Upload Webinar Q&A
K12 SWP Bidder's Conference Webinar - Recording
K12 SWP Bidder's Conference Webinar - Power Point Slides
K12 SWP Engagement Meetings
DATE | TIME | REGION | TITLE | LOCATION and Resources |
---|---|---|---|---|
8/30/2022 |
3:00-5:00 pm |
Inland Empire/Desert |
Deep Dive into Round 5: Sailing through the RFA |
|
9/6/2022 |
4:00-5:00 pm |
Inland Empire/Desert |
Looking for the Life Preserver: Navigating the Challenges of K12 SWP |
|
9/19/2022 |
8:00-2:00 pm |
Inland Empire/Desert |
IED Regional Consortium Quarterly Meeting |
|
TBD - 9/26 or 9/28 |
TBD |
Inland Empire/Desert |
The New IEDRC Regional Plan |
TBD |
9/7/2022 |
12:00-1:00 pm |
North/Far North |
North Far North New Applicant Presentation |
|
9/8/2022 |
12:00-1:30 pm |
North/Far North |
North Far North RFA Overview |
|
9/12/2022 |
10:00-12:00 pm |
North/Far North |
North Far North Virtual Engagement Session |
|
9/13/2022 |
9:00-12:00 pm |
North/Far North |
North Far North In-Person Engagement Session |
|
9/15/2022 |
12:00-1:00 pm |
North/Far North |
NFN NOVA Walkthrough: K12SWP Application |
|
8/24/2022 |
12:00-1:15 pm |
Bay Area |
K14 Pathways Bi-Weekly |
|
9/7/2022 |
12:00-1:15 pm |
Bay Area |
K14 Pathways Bi-Weekly |
|
9/21/2022 |
12:00-1:15 pm |
Bay Area |
K14 Pathways Bi-Weekly |
|
8/29/2022 |
2:00-2:30 pm |
San Diego/Imperial |
Career Technical Education (CTE) 2022 Grant Application Season Orientation |
|
8/30/2022 |
10:00-10:30 am |
San Diego/Imperial |
CTEIG Self Evaluation - Q&A |
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8/31/2022 |
2:00-2:30 pm |
San Diego/Imperial |
Labor Market Information for K12 SWP - Q&A |
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9/1/2022 |
2:00-2:30 pm |
San Diego/Imperial |
Project Plan and Pathway Development Mini Workshop |
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9/2/2022 |
11:00-12:00 pm |
San Diego/Imperial |
Creating a Budget and Identifying Your Match - Workshop |
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9/6/2022 |
11:00-12:00 pm |
San Diego/Imperial |
Leveraging CCI Equity Data to Inform CTE Grant Writing - Workshop |
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9/8/2022 |
10:00-11:30 am |
San Diego/Imperial |
San Diego & Imperial K12 SWP - Everything You Need to Know |
|
9/12/2022 |
2:30-4:00 pm |
San Diego/Imperial |
San Diego & Imperial K12 SWP - Everything You Need to Know |
|
TBD |
TBD |
San Diego/Imperial |
Middle School |
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9/13/2022 | 11:00-1:00 pm | Los Angeles | LA Regional Engagement Session #1 | Zoom Recording |
9/21/2022 | 3:00-5:00 pm | Los Angeles | LA Regional Engagement Session #2 | Link |
9/2/2022 | 8:30-10:00 am |
South Central Coast | SCCRC K12 SWP R5 Engagement Session: North LA | Zoom Recording |
9/2/2022 | 10:30am-12:00pm | South Central Coast | SCCRC K12 SWP R5 Engagement Session: Ventura |
Zoom Recording |
9/2/2022 | 12:30-2:00 pm |
South Central Coast | SCCRC K12 SWP R5 Engagement Session: SB/SLO |
Zoom Recording |
9/13/2022 | Orange County | Orange County Stakeholder Engagement Session | Zoom Recording |
DATE | TIME | REGION | TITLE | LOCATION AND RESOURCES |
---|---|---|---|---|
8/25/2021 | 1:00-3:00 pm | Inland Empire/Desert | Insightful Decision Making: How to Use Labor Market Information | |
8/26/2021 | 9:00-10:00 am | South Central Coast | K12 SWP Round 4 Information Session | Webinar Recording |
8/26/2021 | 11:00-12:00 pm | San Diego/Imperial | Leveraging CCI Equity Data to Inform CTE Grant Writing | |
8/30/2021 | 1:00-3:00 pm | San Diego/Imperial | New Applicant/Project Development Workshop | |
8/31/2021 | 11:00-1:00 pm | San Diego/Imperial | Regional Engagement Meeting | |
9/2/2021 | 9:00-10:30 am | South Central Coast | K12 Strong Workforce Program (SWP) Engagement Meeting | Webinar Recording |
9/2/2021 | 10:00-11:00 am | Orange County | Charter Engagement Meeting | Webinar Recording |
9/8/2021 | 1:00-2:30 pm | Orange County | Public Engagement Meeting | |
9/9/2021 | 9:00-11:00 am | South Central Coast | K12 Strong Workforce Program Round 4 Support Session #1 |
Join the Webinar Webinar Recording |
9/9/2021 | 9:00-12:00 pm | Los Angeles | Regional Engagement Information Session | |
9/9/2021 | 12:00-1:00 pm | North/Far North | RFA Overview Webinar | |
9/9/2021 | 3:00-5:00 pm | San Diego/Imperial | Regional Engagement Meeting |
Webinar Registration Webinar Recording |
9/10/2021 | 10:00-11:30 am | Bay Area | Silicon Valley - Subregional Engagement Meeting | Webinar Recording |
9/10/2021 | 10:00-12:00 pm | Inland Empire/Desert | May the Fourth Be With You - Round 4 K12 Strong Workforce |
Webinar Registration Webinar Recording |
9/13/2021 | 2:00-3:30 pm | Bay Area | Santa Cruz/MB - Subregional Engagement Meeting | Webinar Recording |
9/15/2021 | 12:00-1:30 pm | Bay Area | SF/Peninsula - Subregional Engagement Meeting | Webinar Recording |
9/16/2021 | 8:00-12:00 pm | North/Far North | In-Person Engagement Session | In-Person Registration |
9/16/2021 | 9:00-11:00 am | South Central Coast | K12 Strong Workforce Program Round 4 Support Session #2 |
Join the Webinar Webinar Recording |
9/16/2021 | 1:00-4:00 pm | Los Angeles | Regional Engagement Session | |
9/17/2021 | 10:00-11:30 am | Orange County | Public Engagement Meeting | Webinar Recording |
9/20/2021 | 8:30-2:00 pm | Inland Empire/Desert | IEDRC Quarterly Meeting & K12 Engagement Meeting |
Webinar Registration Webinar Recording |
9/20/2021 | 2:00-3:30 pm | Bay Area | North Bay - Subregional Engagement Meeting | Webinar Recording |
9/21/2021 | 9:00-11:00 am | Central/Mother Lode | CRC Engagement Meeting |
Webinar Registration Webinar Recording |
9/21/2021 | 10:00-12:00 pm | North/Far North | Virtual Engagement Session | |
9/23/2021 | 9:00-11:00 am | Central/Mother Lode | CRC Engagement Meeting | Webinar Registration |
9/23/2021 | 9:00-11:00 am | South Central Coast | K12 Strong Workforce Program Round 4 Support Session #3 |
Join the Webinar Webinar Recording |
9/24/2021 | 10:00-11:30 am | Bay Area | East Bay - Subregional Engagement Meeting | Webinar Recording |
Date and time | Region | registration link | notes |
---|---|---|---|
9/3/2020 8:30-12:15PM | Inland Empire/ Desert | Regional Consortium Website | General Session |
9/3/2020 9:00-12:30PM | Los Angeles | Regional Engagement Session: Recording | |
9/3/2020 9:30-10:45AM | Bay Area | Regional Engagement Session #1: Recording | Session 1: Important context for all stakeholders including an overarching framework, revised regional plan goals and a call to action around deeper development of career pathways. |
9/3/2020 1:00-1:45PM | Inland Empire/ Desert | Regional Engagement Session: Recording | Advanced Transportation and Logistics |
9/3/2020 2:00-2:45PM | Inland Empire/ Desert | Regional Engagement Session: Recording | ICT and Digital Media |
9/3/2020 3:00-3:45PM | Inland Empire/ Desert | Regional Engagement Session: Recording | Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism |
9/4/2020 1:00-3:00PM | South Central Coast - SLO/SB | Regional Engagement Session: Recording | |
9/9/2020 9:00-9:45AM | Inland Empire/ Desert | Regional Engagement Session: Recording | Advanced Manufacturing |
9/9/2020 9:00-12:30PM | North/Far North | Regional Engagement Session: Recording | |
9/9/2020 10:00-10:45AM | Inland Empire/ Desert | Regional Engagement Session: Recording | San Bernardino Valley College |
9/9/2020 10:00-10:45AM | Inland Empire/ Desert | Regional Engagement Session: Recording | Palo Verde College |
9/9/2020 11:00-11:45AM | Inland Empire/ Desert | Regional Engagement Session: Recording | Norco College |
9/9/2020 11:00-11:45AM | Inland Empire/ Desert | Regional Engagement Session: Recording |
Crafton Hills College |
9/9/2020 12:00-1:15PM | Bay Area | Regional Engagement Session #2: Recording | Session 2: An annual review of regional and subregional labor market information highlighting program / pathway opportunities for the region to consider investing in, including viewed through an equity lens to determine opportunities for improvements in meeting our regions equity goals. |
9/9/2020 1:00-1:45PM | Inland Empire/ Desert | Regional Engagement Session: Recording | Mt. San Jacinto College |
9/9/2020 1:00-1:45PM | Inland Empire/ Desert | Regional Engagement Session: Recording | Barstow College |
9/9/2020 2:00-2:45PM | Inland Empire/ Desert | Regional Engagement Session: Recording | Moreno Valley College |
9/9/2020 2:00-2:45PM | Inland Empire/ Desert | Regional Engagement Session: Recording | Victor Valley College |
9/9/2020 3:00-3:45PM | Inland Empire/ Desert | Regional Engagement Session: Recording | Riverside City College |
9/11/2020 9:00-11:00AM | South Central Coast - Ventura County | Regional Engagement Session: Recording | |
9/11/2020 9:00-12:30PM | Los Angeles | Regional Consortium Website | |
9/14/2020 9:30-10:45AM | Bay Area | Regional Engagement Session #3: Recording |
Session 3: Hear from Regional Directors of Employer Engagement about the top program / pathway opportunities in their sector as seen through a post-Covid lens. |
9/14/2020 3:00PM | San Diego/ Imperial | Regional Engagement Session: Recording | |
9/15/2020 9:00-9:45AM | Inland Empire/ Desert | Regional Engagement Session: Recording | Energy, Construction, and Utilities |
9/15/2020 9:30-1:30PM | Bay Area | Subregional Engagement Session: Recording | Subregion: North Bay |
9/15/2020 10:00-10:45AM | Inland Empire/ Desert | Regional Engagement Session: Recording | College of the Desert |
9/15/2020 10:00-10:45AM | Inland Empire/ Desert | Regional Engagement Session: Recording | Chaffey College |
9/15/2020 11:00-11:45AM | Inland Empire/ Desert | Regional Engagement Session: Recording | Business and Entrepreneurship |
9/15/2020 1:00-3:00PM | Inland Empire/ Desert | Regional Engagement Session: Recording | K12 SWP Workshop |
9/17/2020 12:00-1:00PM | North/Far North | Regional Consortium Website | 20-21 RFA Overview |
9/18/2020 9:30-1:30PM | Bay Area | Subregional Engagement Session: Recording | Subregion: Santa-Cruz Monterey |
9/18/2020 10:00-12:00PM | Orange County | Regional Consortium Website | |
9/18/2020 1:00-3:00PM | South Central Coast - North Los Angeles | Regional Engagement Session: Recording | |
9/21/2020 8:30-10:30AM | Central/ Mother Lode | Regional Engagement Session: Recording | 3-day Regional Engagement Session |
9/21/2020 9:30-1:00PM | Bay Area | Subregional Engagement Session: Recording | Subregion: SF Peninsula |
9/21/2020 1:00PM | San Diego/Imperial | Regional Engagement Session: Recording | |
9/21/2020 1:00-2:00PM | North/Far North | Regional Consortium Website | Sector Overview: Adv. Manufacturing |
9/22/2020 8:30-10:30AM | Central/ Mother Lode | Regional Engagement Session: Recording | |
9/22/2020 3:00-3:50PM | North/Far North | Regional Consortium Website | Sector Overview: Business & Entrepreneurship |
9/22/2020 4:00-4:50PM | North/Far North | Regional Consortium Website | Sector Overview: Agriculture |
9/23/2020 3:00-3:45PM | North/Far North | Regional Consortium Website | Sector Overview: Retail, Hospitality & Tourism |
9/24/2020 9:30-1:30PM | Bay Area | Subregional Engagement Session: Recording | Subregion: Silicon Valley |
9/24/2020 1:00-2:00PM | North/Far North | Regional Consortium Website | Sector Overview: Health |
9/24/2020 2:00-3:00PM | North/Far North | Regional Consortium Website | Sector Overview: ICT |
9/25/2020 9:30-1:30PM | Bay Area | Subregional Engagement Session: Recording | Subregion: East Bay |
10/1/2020 3:30-5:00PM | Bay Area | Regional Engagement Session #4: Recording |
Session 4: A wrap-up of outcomes from the sessions above with an eye to planning Q2 activities.
|
REGION | MEETING LOCATION | MEETING DATE | MEETING TIME | REGISTRATION LINK |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bay Area | North Bay | 10/24/2019 | 10:00 am to 3:00 pm | North Bay registration |
Bay Area | East Bay | 11/14/2019 | 10:00 am to 3:00 pm | East Bay registration |
Bay Area | SF / Peninsula | 10/31/2019 | 10:00 am to 3:00 pm | SF / Peninsula registration |
Bay Area | Silicon Valley | 11/05/2019 | 10:00 am to 3:00 pm | Silicon Valley registration |
Bay Area | Monterey Peninsula | 11/04/2019 | 10:00 am to 3:00 pm | Monterey Peninsula registration |
Central Mother Lode | Kern Ag Pavilion, E Belle Terrace Bakersfield, CA 93307 |
10/01/2019 | 9:30 am to 3:00 pm | Kern Ag, et al registration |
Central Mother Lode | West Hills College Lemoore 555 College Ave., Lemoore, CA 93245 |
10/02/2019 | 9:30 am to 3:00 pm | West Hills, et al registration |
Central Mother Lode | San Joaquin County Office of Education - Wentworth Education Center, 2707 Transworld Drive, Stockton, CA 95206 The room is Burwood 2 |
10/03/2019 | 9:30 am to 3:00 pm | San Joaquin, et al registration |
Inland Empire/Desert Regional Consortium | Westin Mission Hills Resort (in Rancho Mirage) | 09/24/2019 | 10:00 am to 4:00 pm | Westin Mission Hills registration |
Los Angeles | Mt. San Antonio College | 10/03/19 | 9:00 am to 3:00 pm | Mt. San Antonio registration |
Los Angeles | Long Beach City College | 10/08/19 | 9:00 am to 3:00 pm | Long Beach registration |
North Far North | Red Lion Hotel, Redding | 10/08/2019 | 9:00 am to 4:00 pm | Red Lion Hotel registration |
North Far North | Union Brick Event Center, Elk Grove | 10/09/2019 | 9:00 am to 4:00 pm | Union Brick registration |
Orange County | Orange County Department of EducationBoard Room 200 Kalmus Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 |
11/12/2019 | 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm | Orange County registration |
San Diego / Imperial | PCCD Palomar | 09/12/2019 | 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm | PCCD Palomar registration |
San Diego / Imperial | Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District | 09/17/2019 | 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm | Grossmont registration |
San Diego / Imperial | San Diego Community College District | 09/25/2019 | 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm | San Diego Community College registration |
San Diego / Imperial | Southwestern Community College District | 09/30/2019 | 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm | Southwestern Community College registration |
San Diego / Imperial | Maricopa Community College District | 10/07/2019 | 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm | Maricopa Community College registration |
San Diego / Imperial | Imperial Valley College District | 10/22/2019 | 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm | Imperial Valley College registration |
South Central Coast | Ventura (Pierpont Inn) | 09/27/2019 | 9:00 am to 3:00 pm |
Ventura registration |