Resource Library

This year the Golden State Pathways Program releases $470 million to hundreds of local school communities preparing to deliver powerful, career-integrated, college-preparatory experiences informed by the Linked Learning approach. It’s a critical milestone on the journey toward California’s goals for a more equitable, prosperous future.

To make good on this promise, we need to ensure that these strides are illuminated by the voices of young people every step of the way. Centering their experiences and perspectives is imperative to ensuring their learning connects—for the relevance, relationships, and results we all want to see.

The Linked Learning Alliance has fielded this survey of young people who participate in Linked Learning college and career pathways throughout the state so that their needs and aspirations are part of this ongoing statewide conversation. This document presents findings from the most recent academic year.

Communications, Research, College & Career Readiness

The Golden State Pathways Program (GSPP) is a $500 million investment in college and career preparation, based on the Linked Learning approach to educational transformation and student success. More than a decade of practice and independent evaluation proves this approach works—and the GSPP builds on this evidence to ensure young people across our state graduate ready to thrive and meet the demands of California’s rapidly evolving economy.

Now, as new fiscal challenges have put the GSPP investment at risk, it is more critical than ever to understand the impact high-quality college and career pathways have on California’s young people—and to bring their needs and aspirations into the statewide conversation.

The Linked Learning Alliance regularly fields a survey of young people who participate in Linked Learning college and career pathways throughout the state. This document presents preliminary findings for the 2023 academic year.

Communications, Research, College & Career Readiness

Our Golden Opportunity: Creating Coherence in College and Career Readinessis a four-day event uniting educators, employers, and community leaders from across the country. A Linked Learning conference, this year’s program isdesigned to bridge public will-building, policy, and practice strategies to ignite abroader and more strongly aligned field-wide vision to connect all young peopleto college, career, and purpose. We are committed to working with you to develop a sponsorship package that aligns with yourorganization’s goals and budget needs.

Communications, General

The pandemic exacerbated teacher shortages that must be addressed, and it also shined a light on the need to find new ways to engage and empower our young people. With thoughtful implementation to reach the communities and students who need it most, Golden State Pathways promises to help us do both, writes Teach Plus California's Sarah Lillis and Linked Learning Alliance's Anne Stanton.

Communications, Stories, Career-Technical Education, College & Career Readiness, Lessons Learned, Policy

The proposed $2 billion in funding for Golden State Pathways and dual enrollment in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 2022-23 budget is a vital investment in California’s young people at a pivotal stage of their development — and in the workforce that’s counting on these adolescents to help them innovate and grow, writes Long Beach USD Superintendent Jill Baker and Oakland USD Superintendent Kayla Johnson-Trammell.

Communications, Stories, College & Career Readiness, Policy

Our state’s economic development depends on the success of students like those in LinkedLearning pathways. With nearly $2 billion proposed in the California State budget to invest in college and career readiness through approaches like high-quality pathways and dual enrollment, it’s even more important to understand the impact these experiences have on California’s young people—and to bring their needs and aspirations into the statewide conversation. The Linked Learning Alliance is fielding a survey of young people in Linked Learning college and career pathways throughout the state. This document presents preliminary findings.

Communications, College & Career Readiness, COVID19, Policy, Postsecondary, Rigorous Academics, Student Supports, Work-Based Learning

The decade between ages 14 & 24 is crucial for young people and for the future of the workforce. Education leaders should help make a seamless transition from middle school to high school, college and careers, writes All4Ed's Deborah S. Delisle and Linked Learning Alliance's Anne Stanton.

Communications, Stories, College & Career Readiness

Linked Learning pathways deliver high-quality academics in concert with career-technical education and work-based learning opportunities, access to early college credit, and integrated student supports. First piloted in nine California districts in 2009, LinkedLearning is now embraced as the high school strategy for a growing number of districts across the state and beyond. Today Linked Learning is at work in more than 50 California school districts, with 400 educational pathways operating in 195 high schools.

Communications, General

The more than $2 billion in state funding for Golden State Pathways (GSP) program and dual enrollment is a critical investment in youth during their decade of difference, a period from ages 14 to 24, when research shows young people develop their identities, dispositions, and lifelong aspirations. In California, too many are disconnecting from learning and their potential during this formative time, a reality exacerbated by the pandemic. We cannot afford to lose this talent.

Communications, Policy