Education, business, and workforce leaders from across Connecticut have announced a new, statewide College and Career Pathways (CCP) initiative aimed at advancing upward economic mobility for Connecticut youth and aligning the state’s education systems with the evolving needs of the workforce.

The announcement, which took place at the offices of Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS), featured remarks from Fran Rabinowitz, Executive Director of CAPSS; Dr. Christine Carver, Superintendent of Bethel Public Schools; and Dr. Miguel Cardona, President of Cardona Solutions.

“This work represents a critical step toward ensuring Connecticut’s education systems are fully aligned with the realities of today’s economy and the opportunities of tomorrow,” said Rabinowitz. “By bringing education, industry, and government together, we can better serve students and employers alike.”

“As a superintendent, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when students can clearly see the connection between what they are learning in the classroom and the opportunities available to them beyond graduation,” said Dr. Carver. “This initiative helps close that gap, giving educators the tools to prepare students for real careers, while ensuring our education systems remain responsive, equitable, and aligned with the future of work in Connecticut.”

“As workforce demands continue to shift, it is critical that our education systems respond in ways that reflect real-world needs,” said Dr. Cardona. “This initiative is about building clear, equitable pathways that connect students to opportunity, while strengthening Connecticut’s long-term economic growth.”

The College and Career Pathways initiative will develop and implement a future-focused, statewide system connecting K–12 education, post-secondary institutions, workforce sectors, and state government. The goal is to ensure that Connecticut’s public education system is responsive to labor-market demands, equips students with 21st-century skills, and expands equitable access to meaningful career opportunities. The initiative will roll out over multiple phases, with research, framework development, pilot programs, and legislative recommendations delivered over the next 12–18 months.

CAPSS, in partnership with Cardona Solutions, will lead the design and rollout of the statewide CCP framework.

The initiative includes five core strategies:

1. Statewide Workforce-Development Research
   Conduct comprehensive research to identify high-growth industries, future workforce skills, talent gaps, and barriers to equitable participation. Deliverables include a Statewide Workforce Trends & Pathways Report, a Gap Analysis, and a Model Framework Draft.
2. College and Career Pathways Framework
   Develop a pathways framework aligned with Connecticut’s economic priorities, including advanced manufacturing, health sciences, information technology, green energy, business, and public service. This work will integrate curriculum alignment, educator credentialing strategies, and expanded work-based learning opportunities.
3. Dual Enrollment and Microcredentialing
   Design a uniform statewide dual-enrollment framework and microcredentialing structures to expand access, portability of credit, and opportunities for students to earn college credentials, up to an associate degree, while still in high school.
4. Policy and Legislative Alignment
   Create model policy and legislative recommendations to support workforce and education alignment, including credit transfer, funding structures, industry partnerships, labor-law modernization, and transportation access.
5. Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
   Launch a statewide engagement effort, including the creation of a College and Career Pathways Council, regular convenings, and a public-facing “Pathways to Possibility” campaign to build awareness and participation.

Source: Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS)