Audit Report

This report reflects the findings of the Office of Inspector General at the time that the audit report was issued. More current information may be available as a result of the resolution of this audit by the Department of Labor program agency and the auditee. For further information concerning the resolution of this report's findings, please contact the program agency.

Report Number:  05-98-001-03-385

Issue Date:  February 5, 1998

The School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994 provides the opportunity for states to establish School-to-Work (STW) systems using Federal funding provided and administered jointly by the
U.S. Departments of Education and Labor. Federal funds are to be used as venture capital to underwrite the initial costs of establishing statewide STW systems that will eventually be maintained with other Federal, state, and local resources. Maryland was one of several States that received Federal STW funding. Our audit objective was to determine if Maryland had institutionalized 11 elements that the OIG and the National School-to-Work Opportunities Office believe are indicative of a sustainable STW system. In Maryland, the STW system is known as Career Connections. Career Connections is administered by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).

Our audit disclosed that Maryland had initiated numerous actions that, when fully implemented, should ensure the sustainability of the Career Connections initiative after the expiration of STW Federal funding slated for September 30, 2000. Some notable examples include:

• the establishment of major policies, strategies, and initiatives,
• the active participation of the Governor and key stakeholder groups, and
• the establishment of matching requirements in criteria for obtaining Career Connections Federal funding.

• MSDE organization function statements and position descriptions do not emphasize Career Connections.
• Career Connections officials do not have future funding plans for the collection of student performance measures data or the continuation of Employer Incentive Funds.
• Student participation in Career Connections is not a graduation requirement.
• State certification requirements for teachers and guidance counselors lack mandatory Career Connections training.
• Skill certificates/portable credentials are not finalized.
• The Career Connections marketing strategy is not firmly targeted towards employers.