DENVER, CO — The federally funded Future Ready Apprenticeship Center (The Center), a national hub dedicated to expanding registered apprenticeship opportunities for youth, has officially opened the application window for states to join its cohort of consortium partners. Successful state applicants will be provided with the funding, technical expertise, and strategic frameworks necessary to build more robust, “apprenticeship-ready” schools, public policies, and high-skill talent pipelines. Collectively, states will receive two million dollars in direct funding to further their apprenticeship ecosystems while also receiving customized consulting and resources such as toolkits, model policies, and access to robust data.
Based in Colorado and powered by CareerWise, a national leader in youth apprenticeship for over a decade, The Center operates in close partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE). The Center was created to provide a lasting national infrastructure that aligns education, industry, and workforce systems.
“At the Future Ready Apprenticeship Center, we will partner with committed states to advance proven policies that prepare America’s young workforce for high-demand industries and family-sustaining careers,” said Brent Parton, President and CEO of CareerWise. “By linking pre-apprenticeship programs and an opportunity to earn a credential directly to paid apprenticeship opportunities, we are opening entirely new pathways for young people to explore careers and build the confidence they need to thrive in a modern economy.”
Selected State Will Receive Robust Resources
States selected for the consortium will receive comprehensive support to expand youth apprenticeships within their geography, including:
The initiative addresses a critical gap in the national workforce, as high-demand sectors like healthcare, technology, and advanced manufacturing currently face a shortage of skilled talent. By scaling these programs, states can transform the lives of thousands of young people, turning them into skilled homeowners, taxpayers, and mentors who strengthen their local communities.
Application Information The deadline for states to submit their applications is March 20, 2026. State leaders in labor, economic advancement, and education policy can find the application materials and more information at www.careerwiseusa.org/futurereadyapprenticeshipcenter.
About The Center
Based in Colorado and powered by CareerWise, The Center provides leadership and data-backed policies to stand up and scale state-specific registered apprenticeship opportunities for youth across the country. It launched in late 2025 and is supported by a cooperative agreement between the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and the U.S. Department of Labor.
About CareerWise
CareerWise is a national nonprofit redefining workforce development through a modern youth apprenticeship system. Founded in Colorado in 2016, the organization partners with educators, policymakers, and businesses—ranging from innovative startups to Fortune 500 companies—to transform the transition from education to career. By prioritizing a skills-first approach, CareerWise provides high school students with paid, real-world experience, industry-valued credentials, and when possible debt-free college credit. To date, the program has connected more than 2,500 apprentices across 200+ districts with over 380 employers, helping industries nationwide build a diverse, sustainable, and future-ready talent pipeline. CareerWise also operates the federally funded Future Ready Apprenticeship Center.
Media Contact:
Shauna Harman
shauna.harman@careerwiseusa.org
317-345-1496
Program Contact for Applicants:
Cheryl Scott, futurereadycenter@careerwiseusa.org