Are High School Career Pathways Delivering? Delaware Offers Answers
A new report from Delaware found that 75% of high school students who completed career pathways were enrolled in college or postsecondary training after graduation, but fewer than half continued studying or working in their chosen field. Students valued the workplace skills and mentoring they received through the programs.
Delaware launched career pathways in 2014, enrolling around 70% of high school students, or 30,000 teenagers. The programs involve a sequence of three or more courses in fields like healthcare, construction, or education, with opportunities for early college credits, industry certifications, internships, or apprenticeships. Researchers tracked over 6,000 graduates who completed at least two courses in a career field. Three-quarters of surveyed students were enrolled in college or postsecondary training after graduation, exceeding the national average of 63%. However, fewer than half continued studying or working in their chosen field. Students who participated in internships or apprenticeships were more likely to continue in their field. The report highlights the importance of workplace experience, which is challenging for schools to deliver due to coordination with employers and logistical issues.
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