Pathways Policies That Work

Practical Advice for Policymakers

 

This series of policy briefs provides practical advice to senior state policymakers–especially governors and leaders of state education and workforce systems–about how to better connect K12 education, postsecondary education and workforce systems to create pathways to economic mobility for all students.

The briefs are written by former policymakers, for current policymakers. Each is grounded in the authors’ real-life experiences of overseeing state-level career pathways policy, and highlight the concrete steps policymakers could realistically take in their current political and fiscal environment to deliver meaningful policy solutions. The briefs provide actionable advice and include links to resources and replicable examples from other states. The series includes:

  • Brief 1: Braiding funding for effective pathways
  • Brief 2: Recommendations for reauthorizing Perkins and improving federal pathways policy (coming Spring 2026)
  • Brief 3: Expanding effective career pathways models (coming summer 2026)
  • Brief 4: Pathways to high-wage, high-demand industries in the age of AI (coming summer 2026)

This series was generously funded by Arnold Ventures.

About the Authors

Spencer Sherman is a principal consultant at Education First. He previously served as Chief for Innovation at the Rhode Island Department of Education, where he led PrepareRI, a successful statewide cross-agency career pathways initiative. After leaving Rhode Island, Spencer worked on career pathways initiatives in California and Indiana, and now advises state and national leaders on career pathways policy.

Dave Powell and Olivia Kelly provided research and editing support.

Quentin Suffren leads Insightful Education Solutions, a consulting firm working to improve how education connects to careers and economic opportunity. He previously served as a Senior Advisor at ExcelinEd, where he oversaw the development and growth of the organization’s pathways policy work. He joined ExcelinEd after serving as Executive Director of the College, Career, and Military Preparation Division at the Texas Education Agency.

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