The grant program is a statewide strategy for strengthening education-to-career pathways and ensuring that stakeholders work together to address inequalities that persist in education and job market preparation. The fiscal agents of the regional consortiums are Institutes of Higher Education that bring together regional partners including unified school districts, community colleges, universities, community stakeholders and employers. The program is made possible by a $250 million appropriation to the Department of General Services (DGS) in the Budget Act of 2021. 

Partners in the K16 Collaboratives can benefit from Gladeo's solutions as they are tailored to meet the unique needs of K-12, workforce/job organizations, two and four year colleges, and nonprofits. Gladeo leverages a research-driven, regional approach to workforce development, presenting a cohesive platform that convenes all workforce stakeholders—K-12, employers, educational and training providers, community colleges, government agencies, and learners of various ages—for thorough career exploration and navigation onto one platform. 

 

What makes Gladeo unique is that our career navigation platform is regionally specific and we facilitate collaboration by connecting the entire workforce ecosystem. Users can identify career paths and high-growth industries matched with their strengths and interests. A dynamic newsfeed feature allows employers, workforce development, and IHEs to post updates, and learners to receive a personalized stream of resources and opportunities tailored to their specific interests and needs. This includes educational and training programs, industry seminars and webinars, networking events, scholarship information, as well as paid internships, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities. 

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In order to encourage youth to pursue careers in high-growth industries identified by these K16 regional collaboratives, Gladeo provides K12 stakeholders with the FutureReady Career Development Program designed for middle school and high school learners and educators. The research-backed curriculum designed with a focus on equity, inclusivity and accessibility, is aimed at effectively helping low-income, first-generation, and historically underrepresented minorities and women and the uniquely challenging barriers they face when choosing, starting and pursuing their career journeys. Gladeo is addressing three gaps in career development: 1. information that must be connected to industry in the age of AI; 2. network/social capital; and 3. belief aspiration. We also fill the inspiration, role model and access gap.