Established in 2016, the Career Development Incentive Program (CDIP) incentivizes school districts and charter schools to provide industry-recognized certificate programs, internships, and pre-apprenticeship programs aligned with in-demand industries.
School districts have used these incentives – which provide up to $1,000 for every completion in pre-approved programs – to expand certification offerings, buy technology to offer different certifications, cover transportation to work-based learning experiences, and equitably expand access to the program.
All of the credentials issued are in high-demand fields such as business, consumer science, skilled trades, STEM, information technology, and healthcare science, all of which align with top industry jobs.
That said, demand for this program has far outpaced supply, and the available funds meaning that schools are receiving far less than is allowed per credential – and the program to turn down funding for qualified credentials due to lack of funds.