Alliance and Linked Learning Districts Join Statewide Secondary School Redesign Pilot
We are thrilled to announce that the Linked Learning Alliance, in tandem with six partner school districts, has been selected to participate in California’s Secondary School Redesign Pilot Program. This $10 million initiative, administered by the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE), is a powerful affirmation that transforming middle and high schools is a priority for our state—and of Linked Learning as an effective, evidence-based approach.
Bringing statewide collaborative experience to the network
The pilot program funds a range of redesign models aimed at moving California’s secondary schools away from factory-model institutions toward rich, student-centered learning environments that build strong relationships and develop the durable skills young people need for college, career, and life. Linked Learning—with its emphasis on rigorous academics, work-based learning, and personalized support—has been chosen as one of these promising approaches.
The Alliance and participating Linked Learning districts bring something important to this network: a statewide, multi-district collaborative already making measurable impact. We enter this pilot with momentum, experience, and a commitment to excellence demonstrated across a range of California communities with unique local contexts. We’re excited to share and learn even more together as part of this diverse pilot cohort.
Six Linked Learning districts committed to Gold-standard quality
Antelope Valley Union High School District, Fresno Unified School District, Los Angeles Unified School District, and San Bernardino City Unified School District join the pilot as Linked Learning demonstration sites, along with Sacramento City Unified School District and Oakland Unified School District, which will serve as pilot sites. All are committed to the Linked Learning Gold standard for high-quality pathway experiences.
Through the pilot, district sites will receive funding and technical assistance to improve or launch pathways and pursue Gold Certification or recertification. Many of these districts are also currently strengthening their pathways through California’s Golden State Pathways Program, bringing further depth and alignment to statewide endeavors.
Data-driven learning and progress
An important aspect of this pilot is that it supports the robust data collection we know is essential to ensuring pathway quality and improved student outcomes.
Through cross-district learning activities, Linked Learning Certification reviews, statewide site visits, and a community of practice, we will document and share what works—with a focus on student belonging, engagement, and durable skills.
From this expanded knowledge base, the Alliance will produce case studies and public-facing narratives that highlight student voice and experience, alongside quantitative metrics to inform continuous improvement and culminate in a report offering actionable insights for policymakers.
A strong start to the 20th anniversary year of Linked Learning
The pilot kicks off in 2026 and runs through 2029—timing that holds special significance as the Alliance marks the 20th anniversary of Linked Learning in 2026. Two decades of refining, scaling, and proving this approach have prepared us for this opportunity to inform how California can transform secondary education for every student.
As our state continues to invest in student success, the Linked Learning community is proud to contribute our expertise, our collaborative experience, and our unwavering commitment to young people. The future of California’s secondary schools is being written now—and we’re ready to help lead the way.