It turns out state officials are, indeed, working toward bringing more support to public school students who are already thinking about life after high school graduation. Last week, Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce announced $7.1 million for the Career Pathway Support Networks Request for Applications.

The money is part of a two-year effort to prepare students for in-demand careers through “advising, mentoring, exposure to various professions, and expanded career-technical education,” according to DeWine’s office.

Funding will be distributed among the seven JobsOhio regions, so districts, schools, Career-Technical Planning Districts and regional partners can apply for help with their work.

The idea is to focus on increasing access and participation in career-technical programs for grades seven through 10, ensuring every student has access to quality career advising and mentoring, aligning career learning with workforce demand, and building business and community partnerships.

“Ohio’s investment in career readiness goes beyond just preparing students for jobs — it’s about creating pathways to economic prosperity for families and strengthening communities,” said Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen Dackin. “This work is built on partnerships, connecting students with real-world experiences, high-demand career paths and strong relationships with employers. By doing so, we are making sure they graduate with the skills and training needed to succeed in today’s economy and lead in the future.”

These early steps are, understandably, aimed at career-technical programs. But students with all kinds of post-graduation goals deserve similar guidance and support in making decisions that will affect the rest of their lives.

Here’s hoping, then, that this $7.1 million is just the beginning of a statewide effort to make it happen.