Massachusetts is awarding $5.1 million to develop and continue high-school programs that connect classroom courses with career preparation, including work-based learning.
The Innovation Career Pathways awards announced Oct. 22 include $436,000 in planning grants for 30 districts and more than $4.7 million for existing programs. Planning could produce 15 additional pathways, including programs at 11 high schools new to the initiative, according to the administration.
The state says more than 8,500 students are enrolled in 303 pathways at 130 high schools during the 2026-27 school year. The programs organize courses and experiences around fields such as health care, clean energy and business.
The planning round could bring the total to 318 pathways at 141 schools, serving nearly 9,000 students in 2027-28. Those are projections. Schools are to apply for state designation in spring 2027. The projected expansion depends on receiving that designation and later implementation funding.
Norwood, for example, is receiving a $50,000 continuation award for its health-care, clean-energy and business pathways.
Sources: Governor Healey Awards $5 Million to Expand High School Career Pathways Across Massachusetts.