Charting a Path: An Exploration of the Statewide Career Pathway Efforts

This report provides case studies and models of career pathways implemented by states within their community college systems. The case studies provide insights into how to improve educational and employment attainment by low-income and low-skill adults. It addresses several key elements that require attention in the establishment and maintenance of career pathways programs: (1) Potential partners that represent a variety of interests, including postsecondary education, social services, business and industry, employment and training, workforce development, and state government; (2) The commitment and capacity of colleges to transform the way they do business and organize their work around the principles at the core of career pathways; (3) The ability to gain political support and identify sources of funding and maintain that support as leadership changes occur; (4) The infrastructure needed to track and share data across multiple information systems; and (5) The needs of students, both in terms of educational and support services, combined with the needs of business and industry.