California is building the foundation for high school transformation by expanding new high school models and ensuring access to workforce development opportunities across the state. A cornerstone of this effort is the Golden State Pathways Program, a competitive grant initiative launched in 2022 that provides funding to local educational agencies to develop and expand high-quality, integrated pathways that offer students work-based learning opportunities, dual enrollment in college courses, and industry-relevant curriculum. In November 2025, 13 school districts were selected for the California Secondary School Redesign Pilot Program. As part of this state-supported initiative, the California Collective for Educational Excellence (CCEE) partners with the California Department of Education (CDE) and the State Board of Education (SBE) to administer grants to middle and high school networks pursuing secondary redesign. The goal of this project is to establish demonstration sites, document effective practices for scaling, and assist additional schools to undertake the redesign process.
Additionally, the Golden State Pathways program emphasizes opportunities like internships and apprenticeships, and helps students earn postsecondary credits and industry-recognized certifications while still in high school. The program’s focus is on preparing students for high-wage, high-skill, high-growth sectors, such as technology, healthcare, and climate-related fields. By fostering collaboration between high schools, colleges, and employers, and blending academic rigor with Career and Technical Education (CTE), the program aims to equip all students with the skills and credentials needed for both college and immediate career entry. State law ensures that students are able to receive credit toward graduation for their participation in work-based learning experiences.
As California continues to build on this work, state leaders could clarify and expand existing seat time flexibility and work with students, educators, and community members to align high school graduation requirements with postsecondary entry requirements.
