Over the last decade, many states and communities have taken great strides in expanding high-quality career pathways to the benefit of learners and industry alike. There have been unprecedented investments in career pathways, major policy overhauls, and a more international focus on ensuring equitable access and success. While there is much to celebrate, there is more work to do to ensure all learners truly have access and the supports necessary to persist in pathways, earn a credential of value, and succeed in the career of their choice. Until we tackle the systemic barriers in place, certain groups of learners, particularly Black and Latinx learners and learners experiencing poverty, will continue to have less access and opportunity, perpetuating inequalities and hindering the strength of our workforce and economy.

To move our systems forward and make access and success truly shared and equitable, five national partners, six philanthropic partners and state and local leaders from across 11 states have joined together in a new initiative – Launch: Equitable & Accelerated Pathways for All. It is only through collective investment and collaboration can we build on current innovations, scale success, sustain improvements, and propel learners to their fullest potential.

As we turn the corner from the pandemic and economic downturn, it is a critical time to reflect on what has worked, boldly face and dismantle what is standing in the way of progress, and continue to innovate on next-generation solutions. Please join Advance CTE, Education Strategy Group, ExcelinEd, Jobs for the Future (JFF) and New America for critical conversations with elected officials and state and local leaders participating in Launch around how to design, scale and sustain high-quality and equitable college and career pathways that are built to last.

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