California’s Future Workers Voice Importance of Preparation and Support in High School
With $470 million in Golden State Pathways funding flowing to hundreds of California school communities—and growing attention to postsecondary and career success—centering student needs and aspirations becomes ever more critical.
And what do students want? “Give us the opportunity to prepare for the real world,” said one Visalia Unified School District 11th-grader. These and other findings from our 2025 survey of nearly 2,000 Linked Learning students from seven school districts underscore how urgent it is that we connect and strengthen our systems of K–12, higher education, and workforce development.
Student voices coalesced around five key themes that should strongly guide this next wave of pathway development as it unfolds:
Linked Learning pathways are valuable. An overwhelming 96% of Linked Learning students rate their high school experience as highly valuable. They also reported feeling motivated. “When I discovered what it is I wanted to do for my future, I realized how much more I wanted to be involved in my academics,” said one Antelope Valley Union High School District 12th-grader.
Pathways provide meaningful connection and support. Beyond academic content, students find community and belonging within their pathway cohorts and through relationships with educators and industry partners. “I felt like I was actually part of something … that my skills and creativity were actually wanted for once," shared a 9th-grade student from Visalia Unified School District. 85% of students said they had opportunities to collaborate with their peers.
Pathway learning translates to the real world. 79% of students feel able to apply what they’re learning in academic classes to real-world opportunities—the kind of relevance that drives deeper engagement.
Students feel confident and ready for a full range of postsecondary options.Quality pathway experiences expand students’ sense of what’s possible. "I realized I wanted to go to college," said an 11th-grade respondent from Fresno Unified School District.
Linked Learning students want similar experiences for young people across California. 80% wish others could have the same opportunity to participate in a college and career pathway education—recognition of the broader potential for transformation.
The next generation of California's workforce is already telling us what they need: the opportunity to prepare for the real world through coherent, high-quality pathway experiences. As a field of educators, policymakers, and civic leaders, it is our job to listen closely enough to deliver—for these students and millions more young Californians who will shape our future.
Download the survey report.