As workforce demands evolve and economic mobility becomes increasingly tied to postsecondary success, a national initiative is helping states and regions transform education-to-career pipelines. The Pathways to Prosperity Network, a project led by Jobs for the Future (JFF) in partnership with the Harvard Graduate School of Education, is working to ensure young people are better prepared for meaningful careers after high school.
“The American system for preparing young people to lead productive and prosperous lives as adults is clearly badly broken. Failure to aggressively overcome this challenge will surely erode the fabric of our society,” stated Pathways to Prosperity, Harvard Graduate School of Education, 2011 report.
Launched in 2012, the Pathways to Prosperity (PtoP) Network brings together education leaders, employers, and policymakers to create high-quality college and career pathways that align with regional economic needs. The initiative aims to close the gap between education and workforce expectations, especially for students who have been historically underserved.
A Framework for Career Readiness
The Pathways to Prosperity framework is built on five core strategies:
- Secondary-postsecondary integration – Aligning high school and college coursework to ensure seamless transitions.
- Career navigation systems – Equipping students with tools and guidance to explore and pursue career options.
- Work-based learning – Connecting students with internships, apprenticeships, and hands-on job experiences.
- Intermediaries – Supporting collaboration between schools, employers, and communities.
- Policy and leadership – Encouraging system-level changes to sustain and expand access to pathways.
These strategies are designed to support student success, respond to labor market trends, and help employers build a skilled talent pipeline.
Growing a National Movement
Since its launch, the Pathways to Prosperity Network has worked with states and regional coalitions to design and implement systems that promote career readiness. The initiative is helping to reshape public education around the idea that college and career pathways are not mutually exclusive but must be interconnected.
In recent years, interest in the model has grown, with states aiming to replicate successful programs that offer dual credit, credential attainment, and real-world work experience for high school students.
What’s Next for Pathways to Prosperity?
Looking ahead, JFF is expanding the network through a broader coalition, inviting education leaders, workforce professionals, and innovative partners to join the effort. The goal is to continue reimagining education systems to serve all learners and support equitable workforce development.
To learn more or get involved, visit the Pathways to Prosperity Network page.
