Governor Healey Awards $5 Million to Expand High School Career Pathways

Innovation Career Pathways provide students with a structured sequence of courses and experiences connected to high-demand industries in the Massachusetts economy, including health care, life sciences, information technology, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and business and finance. Schools work with local MassHire Workforce Boards to align programs with regional workforce needs and connect students with career opportunities.

At Norwood High School, students can explore careers through pathways in health care, clean energy and business. The school's health care programming includes medical training experiences, a developing simulation lab, and opportunities for students to gain exposure to medical education at Harvard Medical School. Students in the clean energy pathway use electric vehicle training equipment to explore emerging technologies and related careers, while the business pathway provides opportunities to apply classroom learning through a new school store.

“Beyond Technical skills, these pathway programs bring the Portrait of a Graduate and Strategic Mission of the Norwood Public Schools to life: They place our students first, in an inclusive and innovative environment, to empower Collaborators, Communicators, Creators, Critical Thinkers and Problem Solvers, and Contributing Citizens,” said Superintendent of Norwood Public Schools Timothy Luff. “When our students graduate from Norwood High School, they step into the future not only with high school diplomas, but with industry credentials, college credit, and hands-on experience. They truly do leave us as our Norwood strategic vision has set out for them: Inspired to Learn, Confident to Explore, Prepared to Thrive, and Ready for Tomorrow.

“Seeing our students thrive in the Innovation Career Pathways is incredibly rewarding. They provide remarkable hands-on STEM and business experiences that bring our 'Portrait of the Norwood Graduate' to life in such a tangible way,” said Norwood High School Principal Cindy Derrane. “The success of the pathways and the students is built directly on the foundation laid by faculty and staff across every department in our community. Our educators strive daily to shape well-rounded, innovative students, and these specialized opportunities are another incredible tool to achieve that shared mission.”

In 2023, Governor Healey launched a new Clean Energy Innovation Career Pathway to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities and exposure to careers in the state's growing clean energy sector. Since its launch, the pathway has expanded to 13 high schools across Massachusetts, helping students develop skills and gain real-world experience in areas such as renewable energy, electric vehicles and emerging clean energy technologies. Norwood High School was among the schools selected to participate in the initial Clean Energy Innovation Career Pathway pilot in 2024 and continues to offer the pathway to students so they can explore clean energy careers through hands-on learning experiences.

Norwood High School, Norwood Public Schools – $50,000

“Every student in Massachusetts deserves a high school experience that prepares them for success, whether they choose college, a career or another path,” said Governor Maura Healey. “That's why we're investing in programs that give students the chance to explore their interests, learn new skills and get real-world experience before they graduate. We want more young people to discover the incredible opportunities available right here in Massachusetts and have the tools they need to build a great future.

“The best way for students to discover what they're passionate about is to give them the chance to try something new,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “That's exactly what Innovation Career Pathways are doing in schools like Norwood High School, where students are getting hands-on experience in health care, clean energy and business. By bringing schools and employers together, we're opening doors for more students and helping them see what's possible for their futures.”

“Innovation Career Pathways show what's possible when schools, colleges and employers work together to create meaningful opportunities for students,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “These programs help students discover their interests, build confidence and make informed decisions about their futures while they're still in high school. I'm grateful to the educators, school leaders and industry partners, like those at Norwood High School, who are bringing these experiences to life and helping more students see the many paths available to them.”

“As we elevate STEM learning this week, the administration is investing in and uplifting programs that connect students to important industries,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “This is part of our work to create more pathways to in-demand jobs here in Massachusetts.”

This school year, more than 8,500 students are enrolled in 303 Innovation Career Pathways at 130 high schools, representing nearly 36 percent of eligible high schools across Massachusetts. Through these programs, students explore careers, take advanced coursework and gain real-world experience through internships and work-based learning. With the new planning grants, schools have the opportunity to develop 15 additional pathways at 11 new high schools, potentially bringing the statewide total to 318 pathways at 141 high schools and serving nearly 9,000 students in the 2027-2028 school year, contingent on receiving Innovation Career Pathways designation and subsequent implementation funding.

Education Undersecretary Secretary Mark Reilly announced the grants at Norwood High School, which is receiving a $50,000 continuation grant to support its Innovation Career Pathways programs. During the visit, officials toured the school's health care, clean energy and business pathways, including an ambulance simulator and medical training programs, electric vehicle trainers, and a new school store where students can gain hands-on business experience.

“High school is a time for discovering opportunities that can lead to successful careers,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka. “Hands-on learning is one of the best ways to gain valuable experience. That’s why I’m so excited about this grant program, which will impact students’ futures at dozens of Massachusetts high schools. These awards from the Healey-Driscoll Administration are a highlight of STEM Week, which provides a glimpse at what’s possible for tomorrow’s leaders.”