California’s Golden State Pathways Program (GSPP) represents a significant investment in building stronger connections between K–12 education, postsecondary education, and the workforce. Established in 2022 with $500 million in one-time funding, GSPP is helping communities across the state expand college and career pathways through dual enrollment, career technical education, work-based learning, and partnerships among schools, colleges, employers, workforce partners, and community-based organizations.
As implementation continues, California has an important opportunity to learn from this investment and consider what comes next. EDGE’s new Golden State Pathways Program: Status Update and Looking Ahead fact sheet provides an overview of GSPP’s progress and highlights key considerations for state leaders, including evaluating outcomes, strengthening alignment across education and workforce systems, identifying successful practices that can be expanded, and planning for long-term sustainability.
With a new administration and the 2027–28 budget cycle on the horizon, the lessons emerging from GSPP can help inform California’s long-term approach to connecting education, training, and employment. Read EDGE’s new fact sheet to learn more about the program’s progress and the opportunities ahead for building stronger pathways to college, credentials, and quality jobs.