Ohio’s New Career Connections Framework Strategy Session

Ohio's update to the Career Connections Framework marks a shift from reactive, late-stage planning to proactive, student-driven career development. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) organized career development across four phases: Awareness, Exploration, Preparation, and Participation. Counsellors do not implement the phases alone; the updated framework equips educators and parents to embed meaningful career readiness from kindergarten through graduation.

Our 90-minute strategy session is designed to help you navigate the new state resources, assess your current alignment, and construct an actionable local roll-out plan. Bring along your leadership team or join individually to leave with clear next steps for district- or school-wide implementation. This session is perfect for superintendents, principals, curriculum directors, counselors, career coaches, CTE directors/ coordinators, BAC liaisons, regional education partnership organizations, or anyone interested.

By the end of this 90-minute working session, participants will:

1. Unpack the new Career Connections Framework: Understand the student milestones, experiences, and shift toward early agency in Awareness, Exploration, Preparation, and Participation.

2. Navigate State Tools & Resources: Explore ready-to-use materials from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.

3. Analyze Local Gaps & Strengths: Self-assess current K–12 career planning activities against state milestones to identify gaps and leverage points.

4. Draft a Local Roll-Out Plan: Co-create an actionable roll-out plan tailored to your local context.