Office of College, Career and Technical Education

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.

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

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)
  • Monday, June 30, 2025 — Intent to Apply Due
  • June – September 2025 — 1:1 supports sessions for prospective applicants with CCTE Liaisons
  • 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: April 28, 2025