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

• Components of a High-Quality Career Immersion Experience

• Innovation Career Pathways Part B Application Module Guide

• Building and Sustaining Strong Employer Partnerships

• You're an Innovation Career Pathways Designee! Now What?

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 2026-27

• Tuesday, June 30, 2026 — Intent to Apply Due via DESE's Grants for Education Management System (GEM$)
• June – September 2026 — 1:1 supports sessions for prospective applicants with CCTE Liaisons
• Thursday, October 29, 2026 — Part A Application due via GEM$. Please consult this Job Aid to access and submit the Intent to Apply.
• November 2026 — Part A Application review by DESE staff
• Late November 2026 — Part A Notifications - Successful applicants will be invited to submit Part B
• December 2026 through January 2027 — Technical assistance via "office hours," 1:1 supports on demand, "Designing for Equity Workshop"
• Thursday, February 4, 2027 — Part B Application Due via GEM$
• February 5-25, 2026 — Part B Application review by DESE staff
• March 2027 — Part B Application summaries and recommendations are reviewed by the DESE Senior Leadership
• April 2027 — Designations conferred by DESE Commissioner

Closing an existing Innovation Career Pathway

This is the same process for closure of a state-approved Career Technical Education (CTE) program, a CTE Partnership ("After Dark") program, or an Innovation Career Pathway (ICP). For details, go to Closing a Designated Pathway.

Last Updated: April 28, 2026