Innovation Pathways - Preliminary Part A Application (Due September 13, 2019)

For parties seeking designation in Spring 2020 for SY2020-21 enrollment.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants for designation must be structured partnerships between at least one K-12 partner (specifically a Massachusetts public high school), a local MassHire Board, and an employer in the chosen industry sector(s).
If an applicant is seeking designation for multiple pathways and industry sectors, an employer must be specified for each industry sector.
Higher Education partners are welcome but not required; note – these do not satisfy the employer partner requirement.
In the preliminary stage, a simple co-signed letter of agreement to partner is required, and must be co-signed by all three partners; at the final stage of the application process, a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the applicant partners will be required.

Innovation Pathways Designation Timeline

September 13, 2019 — Preliminary Designation Application due
Mid-September/Early October 2019 — Preliminary Designation Application review by staff
By October 15, 2019 — Preliminary Designations announced
- Receiving a Preliminary Designation will allow the applicant to apply for a Final Designation.
Mid-October through December 2019 — Staff conduct Final Designation information sessions, provide technical assistance
January 10, 2020 — Final Designation Application Due
January/February 2020 — Final Designation Application review by staff
February 2020 — Final Designation Application summaries and recommendations are reviewed by the DESE Commissioner. Final Designations conferred by end of month.

Primary Contact

Jennifer Gwatkin, Innovation Pathways Lead, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, jgwatkin@doe.mass.edu; (781) 338-3954