There are an estimated 4,500 students waitlisted to access the Commonwealth’s vocational schools and gain hands-on learning opportunities in high school. Acknowledging that MA can’t overcome this challenge by building dozens of new vocational high schools, MA has established a system for putting hands-on learning experiences into general education high schools through the creation of Innovation Pathways. This career-focused curriculum allows students the opportunity to gain hands-on skills at their neighborhood high school in one of five industry-aligned pathways critical to the MA economy. The Innovation Pathway designation allows for increased autonomy and flexibility in curriculum, scheduling, professional development, district policies, and budget to meet the needs of both students and MA industry. In addition, students can graduate with both college credit and 100 hours of a work-based learning experience.
MA
Innovation
Pathways
In 2017, Massachusetts launched an initiative to expand access to high-quality career pathways. ASA strongly supports the expansion of the Innovation Pathways Program because we believe this is a vital step towards providing hands-on learning and college level course work to every student in the Commonwealth of MA.

Learn More About Innovation Pathways
- ASA's Overview of Innovation Pathways
- Baker-Polito Administration Announces $1.8 Million from ASA for High Schools to
- ASA and MBAE Host Legislative Briefing on Innovation Pathways
- A Letter to Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education
- Legislative Briefing on Innovation Pathways
Take Action
Contact your local representative and join us
in advocating for Innovation Pathways in MA.