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Has your program looked into launching a Career Pathway? Among the four pathways in Open Doors (GED, diploma, college, and career), the Career Pathway is the least offered by Open Doors programs.
How might your program increase career connected learning, apprenticeships, and industry training.
 Webinar: Supporting Student Access to Career Preparation and Apprenticeships
March 22nd, 9:00-10:30 AM
Registration link coming soon!
Join OSPI-WSAC staff and our knowledgeable presenters from Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Clover Park Technical College, and the Washington State Achievement Council (WSAC). We’ll be learning about pathways to access apprenticeship program opportunities in Washington, how students interested in apprenticeships can be supported in their path, how career & technical colleges are playing a role in apprenticeship access, and bust some common myths about apprenticeships along the way. WSAC will also be sharing information about financial resources available to students who are interested in pursuing apprenticeships. Registration link coming soon!
ETV Program is Accepting 2023-2024 Applications The Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program is a national program for youth who qualify and are likely to age out of the foster care system. ETV offers financial assistance to eligible youth to attend an accredited college, university, vocational, or technical college. Dependent Youth who are attending a Running Start program could be eligible for the Dual Credit ETV program and applications are accepted year-round.
1. A student may be eligible to apply to the ETV program if they meet any of the following: They are 16 to 20 years old, currently involved in a dependency action in a Washington State or Tribal Court, in the care and custody of DCYF or an ICW agency, and in foster care.
2. They are 18-20 years old and have aged out of state or tribal care. Youth who have aged out of foster care in a state other than Washington may also be eligible to apply.
3. They were adopted or entered guardianship with a relative on or after the age of 16.
4. If they participated and received ETV funds prior to age 21, they may be eligible to age 26. ETV cannot fund more than 20 quarters or 15 semesters.
Applications due by April 30, 2023, for priority consideration
To learn more about the program, eligibility, and to apply for the 2023–2024 school year, please visit the new ETV webpage and ETV Brochure. To meet the priority deadline, you must submit an application by April 30, 2023. All applications received after April 30 will be awarded on a funds available basis.
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Long-Term English Learners are one population of students in Open Doors. A webinar on supporting Long-Term English Learners (LTELs) was recently provided by OSPI. To increase awareness among the Open Doors Youth Reengagement programs we recommend these resources:
For resources and topics for previous and upcoming webinars, please see the Multilingual Education Webinars and Newsletters page.
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On Jan. 31, the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights released a new fact sheet (Spanish version here) that confirms diversity, equity, and inclusion training and similar activities generally are consistent with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The new fact sheet clarifies that federal civil rights laws do not categorically prohibit schools from offering activities such as instruction on the impact of racism, cultural competency training, or school climate surveys. The Office for Civil Rights will continue to vigorously enforce federal civil rights laws to ensure that all students have equal access to educational opportunities. Learn more at www.ed.gov/ocr.
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Every student has the right to educational services that are safe, supportive, and maximize access to general education settings such as Open Doors “1418” Youth Reengagement programs. Educational planning and programming should focus on needed supports so students have the greatest chance of being served in their resident district and neighborhood school or program of choice.
Open Doors programs and staff have an obligation to serve students with disabilities and students eligible for special education, in accordance with Washington public education requirements. A few strategies that we recommend include the following:
- Subscribe to the OSPI Special Education Newsletter
- Meet with your district, ESD, or partnering district’s Special Education Director
- Upon enrollment, review all students’ special education histories and needs for updated assessments
- Clarify who in your Open Doors program is responsible for working closely with district or school Special Education staff
- Designate who in your Open Doors program will attend IEP meetings
- Refresh your program’s awareness specific to WAC 392-700-147 and WAC 392-172A-01190
Washington state has made significant investments in professional development to support systemic changes so educators are equipped to serve students with disabilities in more inclusive learning environments. If funded, OSPI’s request to the Legislature to fully fund special education and sustain funding for inclusionary practices will provide additional opportunity for school districts to meet the needs of all students, including students with disabilities.
OSPI anticipates that there will be a Stronger Connections Grant competition in spring 2023 to award $15 million. Grants will support implementation for approximately three years. The grants will be specifically targeted for activities aligned with the Safe and Healthy Students program purpose.
To learn more, or see the drafted guidance for applying, visit the OSPI Student Support and Academic Enrichment website and look for the “2023 Stronger Connections Grant” menu.
Past Newsletters:
Check our website for previous years' newsletter topics.
Mandy Paradise,
M.Ed
Open Doors
Program Supervisor
Email Mandy
360-789-3949
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