K12 SWP Overview
The K12 Strong Workforce Program (K12 SWP), a statewide initiative established by the California Legislature, aims to strengthen career technical education (CTE) pathways from K–12 into postsecondary and workforce opportunities. The Inland Empire/Desert Regional Consortium (IEDRC) plays a critical role in preparing students for the future by funding projects that build, enhance, and sustain high-quality CTE programs aligned with regional workforce needs.
The goal of K12 SWP is to increase the number of students who transition successfully from secondary school into community college career education programs, apprenticeships, or direct employment in high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand careers. To support this, the program emphasizes regional collaboration, alignment with labor market demand, integration with community college programs, and equitable student outcomes.
K12 SWP Regional Process
IEDRC oversees and supports the implementation of K12 SWP across Riverside and San Bernardino counties, working in partnership with 56 public school districts, county offices of education, regional occupational centers/programs (ROCPs), charter schools, and community college partners. A formal governance structure ensures that funding decisions are transparent, strategic, and equity-focused.
At the core of this process is the K12 Strong Workforce Program Selection Committee, made up of secondary and postsecondary education leaders from across the region. This committee evaluates applications based on clearly defined state and regional criteria, prioritizing:
- Projects that address a high labor demand and identify/demonstrate a gap in filling the demand
- Inclusion of sectors and/or pathways with high wage-earning potential and opportunity to reach and/or exceed a living wage
- Sustainability of projects and long-lasting effects on students and teachers
- Past performance of returning grantees
- Middle school projects that clearly align with secondary and post-secondary partner agencies
A complete roster of the K12 Selection Committee can be found here.
IEDRC’s K12 SWP efforts are supported by K12 Pathway Coordinators, who provide technical assistance, regional planning expertise, and stakeholder engagement.
Questions?
Please contact the Director of CTE and K-14 Regional Technical Assistance Provider below.