Massachusetts State House.
BOSTON – Mashpee High School is one of just eleven high schools across the state to receive official designation status for new Innovation Pathway programs.
The programs are designed to connect students’ learning to a particular career pathway through college-level coursework and work-based experiences, according to the Baker-Polito Administration.
Launched in 2018, Innovation Pathways expose students to career options in different industries, particularly STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields. High school students gain knowledge and skills in particular fields by taking college-level courses, receiving technical instruction and working at internships with employers who partner with local high schools.
Mashpee High School is launching a Manufacturing Innovation Pathway that will serve 22 students when fully enrolled. The school is working the Homebuilders and Remodelers Association of Cape Cod and coordinating with the MassHire Cape and Islands Workforce Board to engage industry partners. Students in grades 11 and 12 will study college courses at Cape Cod Community College and Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
“We are pleased to continue offering these opportunities so more Massachusetts students can enroll in an Innovation Pathway program and gain vital experience in growing industries that will set them up for future success,” said Governor Charlie Baker.
Schools that applied for designation for an Innovation Pathways were required to follow five design principles:
-Equitable access for all students
-Guided academic pathway, which, in the case of Innovation Pathways, must relate to one of five specified broad industry sectors
-Enhanced student supports
-Relevant connections to different careers
-Deep partnerships between high schools and employers or workforce development boards
Students will start enrolling in the different Innovation Pathways this fall.
“Innovation Pathways expose students to STEM-related fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and life sciences that will prepare them to meet the needs of Commonwealth employers seeking skilled labor to fill open positions,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.
The other 10 high schools to receive designation are listed below:
Monument Mountain Regional High School – Great Barrington, MA
Monument Mountain Regional is launching a pathway in Healthcare and Social Assistance, and Manufacturing. The program will serve more than 100 students when fully enrolled. The school is partnering with MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board to engage local businesses. Berkshire Community College is also working with the high school to provide students with college-level courses.
Dearborn STEM Academy – Roxbury, MA
Dearborn STEM Academy is launching an Innovation Pathway in Information Technology that will serve 75 students when fully enrolled. Students will study STEM, specifically computer science, as well as take college-level courses from Wentworth Institute of Technology and have opportunities for internship at Microsoft. The school is also working with MassHire Boston Workforce Board.
Danvers High School – Danvers, MA
Danvers High School is launching five Innovation Pathways, including Business & Finance, Environmental & Life Sciences, Healthcare & Social Assistance, Information Technology, and Manufacturing that will serve 480 students when fully enrolled. The school is partnering with the MassHire North Shore Workforce Board. Students will study Advanced Placement courses and receive Project Lead the Way curriculum, as well as have opportunities for internships and capstone projects.
Everett High School – Everett, MA
Everett High School is launching a Healthcare & Social Assistance Innovation Pathway that will serve 345 students when fully enrolled. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of careers through a partnership with Cambridge Health Alliance, and they will have opportunities to enroll in courses at Bunker Hill Community College.
Lowell High School – Lowell, MA
Lowell High School is launching Innovation Pathways in Environmental & Life Science as well as Healthcare & Social Assistance that will serve 140 students when fully enrolled. The school is partnering with the MassHire Greater Lowell Workforce Board to engage local businesses. Students will study Project Lead the Way curriculum, as well as have opportunities for internships and capstone projects.
Norwood High School – Norwood, MA
Norwood High School is launching a Healthcare & Social Assistance Innovation Pathway that will serve 75 students when fully enrolled. The school is partnering with the MassHire Metro South/West Board and Norwood Hospital as its employer partner. Students in the pathway will have opportunities to take college courses through partnerships with Quincy College, MassBay Community College, Middlesex Community College, Massasoit Community College, and online courses through Brigham Young University Independent Study and GradPoint.
Quabbin Regional High School- Barre, MA
Quabbin Regional High School is launching Manufacturing and Information Technology Innovation Pathways that will serve 147 students when fully enrolled. The school is working with L.S. Starrett asemployer partner and collaborating with the MassHire North Central Workforce Board to engage industry partners. The school is providing students with industry recognized credentials, internships, and capstone course opportunities.
Shepherd Hill Regional High School – Dudley, MA
Shepherd Hill Regional High School is launching Innovation Pathways in Healthcare & Social Assistance and Manufacturing that will serve 172 students when fully enrolled. The school is partnering with MassHire Central Region Workforce Board and Gentex Optics as its employer. Students will participate in Project Lead the Way curriculum and capstone course opportunities, as well as have opportunities to earn industry recognized credentials. Students can also take college courses offered through Quinsigamond Community College.
Uxbridge High School – Uxbridge, MA
Uxbridge High School is launching Innovation Pathways in Healthcare & Social Assistance and Information Technology that will serve 183 students when fully enrolled. The school is partnering with the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce and the MassHire Central Workforce Board and to engage local businesses. Students will study Project Lead the Way curriculum, participate in capstone courses, and have opportunities to earn industry recognized credentials and internships.
West Springfield High School – West Springfield, MA
West Springfield High School is launching a Manufacturing Innovation Pathways that will serve 171 students when fully enrolled. The school is partnering with the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board and several employer partners, including Peerless Precision, as well as Ben Franklin Design and Manufacturing, Advance Welding, International Laser Systems, and Universal Plastics. Students will take college courses at Springfield Technical Community College.
By TIM DUNN, CapeCod.com News Center
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