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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

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

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

Communications, Career-Technical Education, College & Career Readiness, Equity, Rigorous Academics, Student Supports, Workforce Development, Work-Based Learning

Graduation rates are climbing. Students are earning better grades. Absenteeismand discipline problems are down. Teachers see higher engagement in learning—and young people are excited about their prospects for the future.

Communications, Career-Technical Education, College & Career Readiness, Equity, Outcomes, Partnerships, Workforce Development, Work-Based Learning, Oakland Health Pathways