Innovation Career Pathways

Innovation Career Pathways are designed to give students coursework and experience in a specific high-demand industry, such as information technology, engineering, healthcare, life sciences and advanced manufacturing.

Innovation Career Pathways are designed to create strong partnerships with employers in order to expose students to career options and help them develop knowledge and skills related to their chosen field of study before they graduate high school.

• Schools and districts that have received the Innovation Career Pathways designation

To learn more about Innovation Career Pathways, review the Innovation Career Pathway Criteria .

• Presentation on Innovation Career Pathway Designation Process and Criteria

• Innovation Career Pathways FY24 Priority Industry Sectors — May 2023

• Components of a High-Quality Career Immersion Experience

Please check this page regularly for updates. If you are seeking additional information on the designation process, please email pathways@doe.mass.edu .

Innovation Career Pathways Designation Timeline — School Year 2025-26

• Thursday, May 29, 2025 — Prospective Applicant Workshop (Online, 90 Minutes)
• FY26 Innovation Career Pathway Application Guidance
• Monday, June 30, 2025 — Intent to Apply Due via CHAMP
• June – September 2025 — 1:1 supports sessions for prospective applicants with CCTE Liaisons
• Wednesday, October 1, 2025 — Part A Application Webinar
• October 16, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. — Part A Drop-In Office Hours
• October 21, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. — Part A Drop-In Office Hours
• Thursday, October 30, 2025 — Part A Application due
• November 2025 — Part A Application review by DESE staff
• Late November 2025 — Part A Notifications - Successful applicants will be invited to submit Part B
• December 2025 through January 2026 — Part B webinar, technical assistance via "office hours," 1:1 supports on demand, "Designing for Equity Workshop"
• Thursday, February 5, 2026 — Part B Application Due
• February 6–27, 2026 — Part B Application review by DESE staff
• March 2026 — Part B Application summaries and recommendations are reviewed by the DESE Senior Leadership
• April 2026 — Designations conferred by DESE Commissioner

Last Updated: September 19, 2025