State leaders in Massachusetts have taken a number of steps to support student success after graduation. To make it easier for high school students to continue their education in college, state leaders have aligned high school diploma requirements with college entrance requirements, ensuring that all graduates who earn a diploma are eligible for admission to the state’s public institutions of higher education.

To support high-quality work-based learning experiences, the state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released the Massachusetts Work-Based Learning Plan Resource Guide. The state also provides funding and sets rigorous quality standards to ensure that Career and Technical Education programs meet its Chapter 74 approval requirements. As part of these requirements, programs must offer at least 900 hours of immersive learning, opportunities for industry-recognized credentials, and work-based learning experiences.

The state also champions the Innovation Career Pathways and early college programs, which integrate high school academics with college-level coursework and practical work experiences, like internships. Through these initiatives, students gain both academic knowledge and durable skills that prepare them either for direct entry into skilled trades or seamless transitions to higher education and, ultimately, foster a more competitive local workforce.

To build on these programs, state leaders could work with communities to develop a state Portrait of a Graduate that reflects the broad set of competencies that all high school graduates should have by the time they leave high school. State leaders could also explore opportunities to launch a statewide initiative with dedicated resources to incentivize community-led high school redesign, and enable students to earn credit through demonstrations of proficiency, not just seat time.