Oct 1, 2026 CTE & workforce
Dallas Independent School District · Texas
A former student of the Sunset P-TECH program started a career two years after graduation, demonstrating the program's success.
How they approached it The P-TECH model integrates high school, college courses, and career training, preparing students for immediate employment.
Why it is interesting This program offers a direct pathway from high school to a career, addressing workforce needs and student success.
Implement P-TECH programs to provide students with clear career pathways and post-graduation employment opportunities.
Oct 1, 2026 CTE & workforce
Loudoun County Public Schools · Virginia
HAMSci Academy provides a program for students interested in health and medical sciences, culminating in a White Coat Ceremony for participants.
How they approached it The program offers a specialized curriculum and experiences to prepare students for careers in healthcare.
Why it is interesting It provides early exposure and specialized training for high school students in a critical career field, celebrating their commitment publicly.
Establish specialized academies to provide focused pathways and recognize student achievements in specific career fields.
Sep 30, 2026 CTE & workforce
Loudoun County Public Schools · Virginia
The ACCESS Academy provides students with a head start on college and career exploration, bridging high school education with future opportunities.
How they approached it This academy offers specialized guidance and experiences focused on preparing students for higher education and specific career paths.
Why it is interesting It helps students make informed decisions about their future by providing early exposure to college-level work and career options.
Implement dedicated academy programs to provide early college and career exploration opportunities for high school students.
Sep 21, 2026 CTE & workforce
Hawaii State Department of Education · Hawaii
Chu Hong expanded agriculture learning at Kaimukī High School.
How they approached it Students grow crops, develop products, and operate businesses as part of the program.
Why it is interesting This program offers comprehensive, hands-on entrepreneurship and agricultural skills development for students.
Integrate practical, business-oriented agriculture programs that allow students to grow, create, and sell products.
Sep 18, 2026 CTE & workforce
Indiana Department of Education · Indiana
Bloomfield Middle and High School implemented a cybersecurity pathway, described as the first of its kind in the United States.
How they approached it They developed a specialized curriculum and program focused on cybersecurity education.
Why it is interesting This pathway offers a unique opportunity for students to gain skills in a high-demand field at the middle and high school levels.
Explore opportunities to develop unique career pathways, especially in emerging high-demand industries like cybersecurity.
Sep 17, 2026 CTE & workforce
Loudoun County Public Schools · Virginia
Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) launched a new Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship program, expanding career pathways for students.
How they approached it The program provides students with foundational skills and pathways towards an apprenticeship in the electrical trade.
Why it is interesting It creates a direct link between high school education and skilled trades, addressing workforce needs and providing clear career routes.
Develop pre-apprenticeship programs in collaboration with industry to offer practical skills and career entry points for students.
Sep 17, 2026 CTE & workforce
Florida Department of Education · Florida
Florida is supporting short-duration, career-focused training programs with Workforce Pell Grant funding.
How they approached it The state Department of Education announced the availability of federal funding to support vocational training.
Why it is interesting This provides financial aid for students pursuing shorter, targeted career training, addressing workforce needs.
Investigate federal and state funding opportunities like Workforce Pell Grants to make short-term, career-focused training more accessible to students.
Sep 15, 2026 CTE & workforce
Dallas Independent School District · Texas
Dallas Independent School District (ISD) and DART launched a hands-on training program for aspiring automotive technicians. This program offers practical training in the automotive field.
How they approached it Dallas ISD partnered with DART to provide a specialized training program, leveraging DART's industry expertise and resources.
Why it is interesting It's a direct partnership between a school district and a transportation agency to provide vocational training for in-demand careers.
Explore partnerships with local industry entities to create hands-on training programs that align with workforce needs.
Sep 14, 2026 CTE & workforce
Florida Department of Education · Florida
The Florida Department of Education received a $6.6 million grant to expand work-based learning opportunities for students.
How they approached it The state secured significant grant funding to invest in programs that provide students with real-world work experience.
Why it is interesting This initiative directly prepares students for careers by offering practical experience within various industries.
Actively pursue large grants to fund and scale up work-based learning opportunities, connecting students directly to career pathways.
Aug 21, 2026 CTE & workforce
Pennsylvania Department of Education · Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania invested $3.5 million in PAsmart grants to 17 organizations to expand access to CTE pathways statewide.
How they approached it The state funds various organizations to broaden career opportunities in advanced manufacturing, construction, digital technology, and energy.
Why it is interesting This large-scale state investment directly supports workforce development and provides diverse career options for students.
Seek and secure state-level grants to significantly expand Career and Technical Education offerings and industry partnerships.
Aug 3, 2026 CTE & workforce
Mississippi Department of Education · Mississippi
The Mississippi Department of Education is launching a statewide initiative to connect classroom learning with future careers for students.
How they approached it Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, the initiative will help students link school lessons to college, work, and life beyond school.
Why it is interesting This initiative aims to make education more relevant and engaging by highlighting the practical application of school subjects.
Create programs that explicitly link academic lessons to real-world career paths to enhance student motivation and future readiness.
Jul 15, 2026 CTE & workforce
Florida Department of Education · Florida
Florida awarded $14.6 million to expand preapprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities across the state.
How they approached it The state's education department provided significant funding to support the growth of these vocational training pathways.
Why it is interesting This substantial investment directly addresses workforce development needs by creating practical career training opportunities for students.
Prioritize state funding and partnerships to expand vocational and technical training programs like preapprenticeships and apprenticeships.
