Healey-Driscoll Administration Expands Innovation Career Pathways to 10 New High Schools Innovation Career Pathways will be offered at nearly 36 percent of eligible high schools next year Announcement comes ahead of administration’s 2026 STEM Summit
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the approval of 41 new Innovation Career Pathways (ICP) programs across 36 high schools in 31 districts, continuing the administration’s efforts to connect Massachusetts students to high-demand careers and strengthen the state’s innovation economy. Arlington, Foxborough, Hull, Lynn, Monomoy, Monson, Pembroke, Seekonk, TEC Connections Academy Commonwealth Virtual School, and Watertown Public Schools will be offering Innovation Career Pathways for the first time.
Starting in school year 2026-2027, Innovation Career Pathways will be offered in nearly 36 percent of eligible high schools across Massachusetts. With these new designations, there will be over 8,500 students enrolled in one or more of the 303 Innovation Career Pathways in 130 high schools.
“We are committed to making sure young people across Massachusetts have access to strong college and career pathways that open doors to opportunity. By expanding access to applied learning in STEM fields like clean energy, life sciences, and information technology, we’re preparing young people for successful careers in some of the fastest-growing industries in our state,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our administration will keep investing in Innovation Career Pathways that empower students to discover their passions and build a strong, equitable economy for Massachusetts.”
“We’re thrilled that nearly 36 percent of high schools will be offering Innovation Career Pathways by next school year. These programs connect students to the industries that are driving Massachusetts’ future,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The STEM Summit will be a powerful opportunity to showcase how schools, employers and communities are working together to unlock potential and open new doors for our students.”
The announcement was made at the 2026 STEM Summit at UMass Lowell’s NERVE Center, where education, industry, and government leaders from across Massachusetts convened to discuss the future of STEM education and workforce development. This year’s summit focused on robotics as an interdisciplinary field, connecting early learning to career pathways with applications across advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, clean energy, defense, and other key sectors.
“One of the most important things we can do for students is help them understand the opportunities available to them in high-demand STEM fields and give them meaningful experiences that connect learning to real careers,” said Education Secretary Dr. Steve Zrike.
“Innovation Career Pathways allow students to explore their interests, build technical and problem-solving skills, and graduate with a stronger sense of purpose and direction for their future.”
“Through Innovation Career Pathways, students can see a connection between their classes and post-graduation opportunities,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “I'm grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for helping more students learn about in-demand fields and how students can prepare for jobs in those industries."
Prior to these new program approvals, the administration had awarded nearly $5.4 million in October for ICP planning and implementation grants. Through ICP, students explore STEM-related careers, take advanced coursework, and gain real-world experience through internships and work-based learning — all at no cost to them.
Through the administration’s broader Reimagining High School initiative, Massachusetts is investing in programs that connect classroom learning to real-world experience and emerging industries. In her FY27 budget proposal, filed alongside a Fair Share supplemental budget, Governor Healey proposed a $3 million increase for Reimagining High School initiatives, bringing the state’s total investment to more than $50 million for programs including Early College and Innovation Career Pathways. Together, these efforts are helping more students explore career interests, gain hands-on experience, and prepare for success in college and high-demand fields.
School Districts Receiving Designations:
• Agawam School District — Business and Finance; Environmental and Life Sciences
• Arlington School District* — Healthcare and Social Assistance
• Bellingham School District — Business and Finance
• Blackstone-Millville Regional School District — Manufacturing
• Bourne School District — Manufacturing
• Clinton School District — Business and Finance; Information
• Fairhaven School District — Environmental and Life Sciences; Healthcare and Social Assistance
• Foxborough School District* — Manufacturing
• Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District — Business and Finance
• Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District — Manufacturing
• Haverhill School District — Information
• Holliston School District — Information
• Hoosac Valley Regional School District — Clean Energy
• Hull School District* — Business and Finance
• Lenox School District — Environmental and Life Sciences
• Lynn School District* — Information; Manufacturing
• Mashpee School District — Environmental and Life Sciences
• Maynard School District — Healthcare and Social Assistance
• Monomoy Regional School District* — Business and Finance
• Monson School District* — Healthcare and Social Assistance; Manufacturing
• Pembroke School District* — Manufacturing
• Reading School District — Business and Finance
• Seekonk School District* — Business and Finance; Clean Energy
• Swampscott School District — Information
• TEC Connections Academy Commonwealth Virtual School District* — Information; Healthcare and Social Assistance
• Tewksbury School District — Environmental and Life Sciences
• Uxbridge School District — Clean Energy
• Wachusett Regional School District — Business and Finance; Environmental and Life Sciences
• Walpole School District — Business and Finance
• Watertown School District* — Clean Energy; Environmental and Life Sciences; Healthcare and Social Assistance
• Worcester School District — Clean Energy
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