Connecting Activities

Connecting Activities (CA), Fund Code 428, line item 7027-0019, is a statewide network led by DESE and organized through sixteen MassHire Workforce Boards, charged with supporting work-based learning and other career development education activities for students. Through the network, educators can exchange ideas and practices by accessing a wide range of tools, resources, and experiences that support students. Also, employers and community partners can find channels to connect with schools in order to promote career awareness and the career growth of local students.

• Annual reports on Connecting Activities

To learn more about Connecting Activities and find a connection to your regional workforce board, visit: Massachusetts Connecting Activities.

The CA network has persisted in its delivery of these critical experiences for students for over 20 years. During fiscal year 2021, Connecting Activities generated the following outcomes:

• 7,294 students participated in work-based learning experiences through Connecting Activities
• 2,271 employer sites hosted work-based learning experiences through Connecting Activities
• Employer-paid wages for placements with work-based learning plans and/or classroom and workshop instruction represented an investment of $11,250,000 in work-based learning.
• 206 schools are formal Connecting Activities partners and include suburban, urban, rural, and traditional and regional vocational technical high schools.
• 41 schools in the Connecting Activities network have created Innovation Pathway programs and 31 of the schools in the Connecting Activities network have Early College programs.
• Career development education activities led by Connecting Activities during the year included over 1,200 events including online workshops, virtual career panels, virtual career fairs, and more, with events serving over 160 different schools, as well as many regional and statewide events serving all schools.

Kerry Akashian
Career Development Education Lead
MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
75 Pleasant Street
Malden, MA 02148
Phone: (781) 338-3948
Fax: (781) 338-3090

For additional information, including tools and resources visit Massachusetts Connecting Activities.

Last Updated: June 6, 2023