Not a Moment to Lose: $470 Million in Promised College and Career Prep Funds Released to School Communities Across California

Today the California Department of Education confirmed what educators and civic leaders across the state have anxiously hoped for: The Golden State Pathways Program (GSPP) first announced in 2022 and imperiled and delayed since then will release its trove of $470 million in grants to hundreds of school communities.

With these funds, local educational agencies (LEAs) that have been doggedly preparing for this watershed moment will be able to plan, implement, and expand high-quality college and career pathways for their high school students. GSPP grants support educational approaches modeled on Linked Learning and proven to prepare young people to thrive into high-opportunity, high-wage careers.

The Linked Learning Alliance applauds this critical step—and affirms the Governor’s newly released Master Plan for Career Education, which likewise bolsters the development of career pathways for adolescents.

The moment is finally here, and we are here to meet it.

California has a powerful track record of bringing K–12 education, postsecondary institutions, and industry together for the good of our state and its people. We have the will, the know-how—and now, the resources. These funds will accelerate progress toward our shared goals for educational attainment and workforce demand by investing in young people on their journey from learning to life.

“This milestone is the result of tireless efforts from so many across the state,” said Anne Stanton, President of the Linked Learning Alliance. “To the policymakers who championed this legislation, the educators who advocated for change, the community leaders who rallied support, and the families and students who shared their stories—we thank you. Your dedication and belief in the transformative power of inclusive, supportive, career-integrated learning have made this achievement possible.”

As we celebrate this hard-won golden opportunity, the Alliance is committed to supporting educators, policymakers, and communities every step of the way, ensuring GSPP resources build programs that prioritize equity, access, and excellence.

With today’s announcement and the contributions of these statewide partners, Californians enter 2025 with the renewed promise of high-quality pathways implementation and the life-changing outcomes we envision. Together, we will ensure that every adolescent in California has the opportunity to unlock their full potential, building a brighter future for all.