Golden State Today

California is releasing new funding to improve opportunities for students and prepare them for the workforce of tomorrow through the Golden State Pathways Program (GSPP). Governor Gavin Newsom and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced the awarding of $470 million to 302 local educational agencies (LEAs) from the GSPP. This program integrates college preparatory coursework meeting the A–G course requirements for admission to state universities, offering students the opportunity to earn 12 college credits alongside career exploration, career technical education courses, and work-based learning.

The GSPP aims to help students identify high-need opportunities in their regions and align their higher education and career goals with community job needs. It provides LEAs with resources to promote pathways for students in high-wage, high-skill, high-growth areas including technology, health care, education, and climate-related fields. This initiative facilitates a seamless transition from high school to college and career while supplying the workforce needed for economic growth.

Governor Newsom stated, “Every student in California deserves the opportunity to build real-life skills and pursue the careers they want. This funding will be a game-changer for thousands of students as the state invests in pathways to good-paying, high-need careers—including those that don’t require college degrees.”

State Superintendent Thurmond added, “By establishing career technical pathways that are also college preparatory, the Golden State Pathways Program provides a game-changing opportunity for California’s young people. I am very proud of today’s investment. Creating pathways that are truly both college-bound and career-ready shows our students that career exploration is all about opening doors and expanding possibilities. I look forward to seeing our students gain entry to competitive wages and thriving futures.”

State Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond expressed gratitude towards Governor Newsom, the Legislature, and Superintendent Thurmond for prioritizing this funding: “We must target these resources to LEAs that need the most assistance—those with higher than average rates of dropout, suspension, foster youth, and student homelessness so we can do more to provide these vulnerable populations with the skills and training they need to compete for jobs in high-wage and high-growth areas.”

Of the $470 million awarded today, $422 million was allocated as implementation grants aimed at supporting grant recipients' ability to offer participating pupils high-quality college and career pathway opportunities. The remaining nearly $48 million was designated as consortium development and planning grants intended to support collaborative planning between grant recipients and their program partners.

The GSPP stems from funding included in the 2022 Budget Act passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Newsom. The program aligns with Governor Newsom's Master Plan for Career Education which seeks greater access to education and jobs across California's TK–12 system through university-level education into workforce systems.