A Comprehensive Policy Approach

Pathways Matter

How The Right Combination of State Policies Builds a Skilled, Educated Workforce

A FRAMEWORK OF POLICIES

We can better prepare people of all ages for the reality of today’s evolving job market. But how?

Using a robust framework of 20 policies organized in 6 focus areas, we can build a skilled, educated workforce.

Each key policy includes one or more model policies. Look for the SEE MODEL POLICY button.
Each key policy includes one or more model policies. Look for the SEE MODEL POLICY button.

This comprehensive approach to policies helps answer common education to workforce questions.

How do policies support learners?

Which policies address workforce challenges?

How are states working on the policies?

The Problem

People of all ages—including high school and college graduates—are finding themselves unprepared for the reality of today’s evolving job market.

Why is this happening?

States aren’t looking at the full picture. In many states only one or two areas of education to workforce pathway policies are addressed by policymakers each year. Though this strategy has helped get the work off the ground, it’s simply not enough.

How can we fix it?

Stop developing policies and programs in isolation. Policymakers need an understanding of the full ecosystem of policies, programs and supports to prioritize which area to tackle next. K-12, postsecondary and workforce strategies must connect policies, programs and institutions to each other. Most importantly, strategies must be informed by comprehensive data and focused on results.

Who can help?

Everyone! Designing and implementing these polices requires stakeholder coordination and awareness. And every stakeholder plays an important role.

Employers

Businesses of all sizes inform and support programs, initiatives and policies to ensure alignment with workforce needs.

Intermediaries

Community organizations, nonprofits, chambers of commerce, etc. connect and engage stakeholders and learners at ground level.

Policymakers

State legislators and governors develop and adopt policies and programs to create opportunities for students.

Government Agencies

Local, state and national agencies and institutions implement and manage policies and programs.

Communities

Robust education to workforce pathways empower and engage learners from adolescents to adults.

Use Pathways Matter to think about what education to workforce policies can help solve education to workforce challenges in your state.

Let’s get started.