Delaware Pathways

Program Description: 

Delaware Pathways link education and workforce development efforts for youth and adults by providing opportunities to acquire knowledge and experience aligned with their career and life goals through a series of high-quality education programs of study that link to postsecondary education, training, credentials, and careers. Programs and supports are available across Delaware’s local education agencies, postsecondary educational institutions, and the state’s workforce development providers. The Delaware Pathways Coalition is co-chaired by the Departments of Education and Labor. 

Delaware’s workforce development efforts are unified with a shared vision: to build a demand-driven, equitable talent system that meets regional employer needs and provides every Delawarean with pathways to career and success. The backbone of Delaware’s Pathways is the state’s career and technical education (CTE) programs; helping middle and high school students navigate educational pathways and career-connected opportunities that provide the academic knowledge and technical skills needed to succeed in a variety of in-demand jobs across industries ranging from agricultural sciences to healthcare to manufacturing to climate-ready careers.

Starting primarily in seventh grade, most students participate in CTE courses that explore their personal interests, abilities, life goals, and how these connect to careers. During eighth grade, students continue to explore and are provided information on which secondary and postsecondary schools offer education in those pathways and how to navigate the milestones along that path. Work is underway to extend opportunities to sixth grade and beyond CTE courses. 

Once in high school, students complete a minimum of three courses in their chosen Pathway. In addition to in-class learning, and in partnership with over 100 local employers, students are provided with career-connected opportunities such as job shadowing, resume workshops, mock interviews, and mentorship. Delaware is also working to expand high-quality career-connected education opportunities, especially work-based learning immersion (e.g., registered apprenticeship, internship, school-based enterprise), with more employer partners and postsecondary education institutions. 

Beginning their career education in middle school allows students to explore their interests, enter the workforce earlier, and often earn credentials of value, college credit, advanced standing in Registered Apprenticeship programs, or begin work within their field before graduating from high school and while pursuing their individual career and life goals. 

Delaware Pathways directly supports the Delaware Department of Education’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan by advancing the goal that every learner is ready for success in college, career, and life. Through CTE programs, career advising, industry credentials, dual enrollment, and work-based learning experiences, Delaware Pathways strengthens the Department’s College and Career Readiness priority while creating meaningful connections among students, families, educators, postsecondary institutions, and employers. By aligning education with workforce needs and expanding opportunities for learners across the state, Delaware Pathways helps turn the Department’s promise to “Start with Students. Build for Impact.” into action. 

Impact: 

A recent study conducted by RTI International and Rodel tested the effectiveness of the program. The study tracked 6,000 graduates who completed at least two courses in a career path. 
 
Three-quarters of the students surveyed were enrolled in postsecondary education or training, above the national average. However, depending on the field of study, less than half the students were pursuing careers directly associated with the fields they studied in high school. Researchers emphasize that this is not a bad thing: students are given an early opportunity to explore a career and may realize the career is not right for them. Students reported that the skills they learned via Delaware Pathways were applicable to many fields. Many reported that working with mentors and work-based learning prepared them to enter the workforce, even in an unrelated field. 

Population Served: 

Middle school, high school, postsecondary, and adult learners across Delaware. 

Obstacles Faced: 

• Because all pathways require several years of courses in high school, it can be logistically difficult for students to change “Pathways” if they wish to pursue a different one. 

• Expansion of middle grades career advising and high school immersive work-based learning placements will require significant new and sustaining resources at both the local and state levels. 

• Work is underway to enhance and better connect Delaware’s education and workforce data systems, providing better insight into what works and where opportunities exist.

Learn more here.

Page last updated in August 2026.