CTE Dual Credit

CTE Dual Credit - The Big Blur

Overview

This multi-year project is a partnership between the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), and Jobs for the Future (JFF). It will advance a “Big Blur” vision for seamless education to career pathways in Washington state, building on the state’s CTE Dual Credit proviso funded by the Washington State Legislature in FY23 and renewed in FY25.

The project, led by JFF, builds on and supports the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Dual Credit pilot program, a proviso (ESSB 5187) funded by the Washington Legislature with an intent to increase CTE dual credit participation and credential attainment. The proposed project activities are informed by the successes and lessons learned in the first two years of the proviso and are designed to support and accelerate identified next steps, such as the development of pathway maps and regional strategic implementation plans.  

The project will provide financial support to three additional regions, in addition to the NW Washington proviso. Each region will be eligible for up to $150,000 (over three-years), technical assistance, and access to a dedicated community of practice facilitated by JFF.  

More about The Big Blur

Invest in Washington funding has been added to the Workforce Development Fund to meet the specifications of the Invest in Washington Account, RCW 82.85.070. Preference points will be given to projects designed to accomplish one or more of the priorities specific to manufacturing and production occupations: customized training, job skills, job readiness training, workforce professional development, and/or to assist employers with state-approved registered apprenticeship programs specifically for manufacturing and production occupations.

JFF is leading a national effort to reimagine the traditional boundaries between high school, higher education, and careers. The vision, articulated in The Big Blur, is an integrated education-to-career system that prepares all young people for productive adulthood. By eliminating systemic silos and creating equitable, learner-centered pathways, the proposed work will streamline the transition from high school to postsecondary education and careers, ensuring economic mobility and lifelong learning for underserved populations in Washington.  More specifically, the initiative will:  

• Support state leaders in the design and implementation of a more equitable statewide system for dual credit and pathways, with a focus on CTE Dual Credit.  
• Strengthen and expand opportunities for thousands of Washington’s secondary students to access high-quality, in-demand postsecondary credentials, accelerating movement towards the state’s goal that 70% of adults complete a degree or credential.  
• Intentionally integrate existing statewide initiatives.
• Strengthen regional ecosystems to address labor market demands and drive economic growth.  
• Build a replicable model for regions in Washington that are committed to advancing The Big Blur. 

To accomplish these goals, JFF will lead the key elements of the project which include the completion of a Washington state landscape analysis, development of four state-level pathway and competency maps, development of regional asset maps, and development of regional strategic action plans for regions participating in this initiative. SBCTC, OSPI, and participating colleges and partners will collaborate with JFF on these key project activities.

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2025-26

Important Dates

Funding Resources and Guidelines

• FY26 CTE DC Big Blur Grant Guidelines
• FY26 CTE DC Big Blur Assurances
• FY27 CTE DC Big Blur Budget Worksheet