# Massachusetts Awards $5.1M Career Pathway Grants

On October 22, 2026, Massachusetts announced $5.1 million in Innovation Career Pathways grants to support existing high-school programs and plan up to 15 additional pathways at 11 schools new to the program. The state grant program is not an open contractor solicitation, but it creates potential partnership needs for schools and employers in curriculum development, work-based learning, internships, credentials, and equipment. Planning-grant recipients are preparing designation applications for spring 2027.

- Schools, employers, and education-service providers can evaluate partnership opportunities tied to pathway planning and implementation, including the activities identified in the announcement.
- The grants support both existing programs and expansion, giving organizations serving Massachusetts schools a basis to discuss relevant workforce and education partnerships with participating districts.
- Planning-grant recipients are preparing for spring 2027 designation applications; organizations interested in supporting pathway development can align discussions with that planning cycle.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 23, 2026

### Government Entities
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- Executive Office of Education
- Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
- MassHire Workforce Boards

### Key Quotes
> These programs help students discover their interests, build confidence and make informed decisions about their futures while they're still in high school.
> — Steve Zrike, Education Secretary

> By bringing schools and employers together, we're opening doors for more students and helping them see what's possible for their futures.
> — Kim Driscoll, Lieutenant Governor

### Sources
- [Governor Healey Awards $5 Million to Expand High School Career Pathways Across Massachusetts | Mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-awards-5-million-to-expand-high-school-career-pathways-across-massachusetts) - MA