Administration has invested over $10 million to-date to expand educational opportunities for students in fields like information technology, clean energy, health care assistance

Boston - The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today $1 million in Innovation Career Pathway grants to 29 school districts. This funding enables districts to plan and implement pathway programs that provide students with coursework and experiences in high-demand STEM industries before they graduate high school, including in health care, technology, manufacturing, life sciences, and environmental sustainability.  

Blackstone-Millville, Milford, Old Rochester (regional district serving Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester) and Wilmington school districts are receiving funding to design Innovation Career Pathways programs for the first time. 

Governor Maura Healey and Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler made this announcement today at Athol High School, where they saw the impact of the manufacturing pathway firsthand from students. 

“In Massachusetts, we want to ensure that what students learn in school helps them get to where they want to go, while also meeting our workforce needs. That’s why we are invested in Innovation Career Pathways. Today’s funding will help expand these critical opportunities - from Northampton to Barnstable - that inspire students to plan career paths for today’s innovation economy,” said Governor Maura Healey.  

“Our administration has invested in Innovation Career Pathways, Early College programs and career technical education opportunities because we know they allow students to explore careers and make critical connections with local businesses and mentors,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “I am grateful to the administrators, educators, employers and community partners who make these programs possible.” 

As part of the Executive Office of Education’s “Reimagining High School” initiative, students participate in internships, college-level courses, and hands-on learning experiences that align with their career interests through Innovation Career Pathways. Today’s announcement builds on the $387,000 in Innovation Career Pathway Planning Grants awarded to 26 school districts in October, with $10 million in funding dedicated to these programs under the administration to-date. Further, the administration last year awarded pathways to 36 new programs with over 8,000 students participating across all pathways.?Governor Maura Healey’s 2025 State of the Commonwealth address lifted up the importance of Innovation Career Pathways. 

“We want to support our public schools to enable students to see the connection between what they are learning and what they will need to know in the future. Today’s Innovation Career Pathways investment promotes engaging STEM experiences for students, while deepening local connections with employers and future career opportunities,” said?Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. 

“In our Educational Vision, we say we want learning to be relevant, real-world and interactive, and that’s exactly what Innovation Career Pathways bring to students,” said?DESE Acting Commissioner?Russell D. Johnston. “I look forward to learning what students explore and achieve as a result of these offerings.” 
 

“As a graduate of Athol High School and co-owner of a local manufacturing company, I am so pleased to see Innovation Pathways programs available to our students,” said Representative Susannah Whipps. “This program offers needed opportunities to our students. I’m very grateful to have Governor Healey making her announcement here today.”

“The L.S. Starrett Company is proud of its continued support to the future manufacturers of America, partnering with Athol High School since 2017. With this collaboration, Starrett brings co-op students who have passed the PMI class to work during their second semester as they have achieved all the credits needed for graduation," said Tim Cucchi of L.S. Starrett Company. “As a result, Starrett gains some assistance in the factory, AHS secures employment for students, and most importantly the students get real-life work experience in a manufacturing environment. Not only are the hard skills put to the test, but the soft skills as well, i.e. showing up on time, demonstrating their work ethic, and the value of such when payday arrives. Students are the future!” 

Implementation grants awardees: 

Planning grant awardees: