The Florida Department of Education has announced the allocation of $14.6 million through the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant (PCOG) to support apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs across the state. Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas stated that 34 entities, including school districts, colleges, state universities, and private training organizations, will receive funding for the 2025-26 period. The initiative aims to benefit more than 7,100 participants by providing both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
“Governor DeSantis’ continued investment in workforce education is transforming opportunities for students across Florida,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “These programs give students the chance to train alongside industry experts and discover their strengths and step confidently into the jobs that drive Florida’s economy forward.”
Since its inception, the PCOG program has distributed $105 million, supporting over 350 proposals and serving more than 20,000 participants statewide. The grant is designed to increase access to apprenticeship pathways that connect job seekers with businesses through hands-on learning experiences. A full list of grant recipients for 2025-26 can be found at https://www.fldoe.org/pathwaysgrant/.
Florida has seen significant growth in career and technical education (CTE), with nearly 800,000 K-12 CTE students enrolled—the highest number in state history—and more than 480,000 postsecondary CTE students. There are also over 22,000 registered apprentices and preapprentices currently participating in these programs.
Governor Ron DeSantis has prioritized workforce education by committing over $10 billion toward related initiatives. This investment has contributed to Florida’s position as a leading state for attracting and developing skilled workers.
For additional details about the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant Program, visit www.fldoe.org/pathwaysgrant.
