Delaware Governor Jack Markell launched the Delaware Pathways initiative in 2014 in an effort to strengthen the state talent pipeline and reach a statewide goal of increasing the number of Delaware residents with a postsecondary degree or credential to 60 percent by 2025. Since then, the number of students enrolled in Delaware Pathways has grown to 6,000 and is projected to reach 50 percent of the student population by 2019.
This case study by Jobs for the Future profiles the development of the Delaware Pathways initiative and lays out the state’s approach and lessons learned. Specifically, the report describes how state leaders in Delaware worked to extend career exploration to the middle grades and create linkages across K-12, postsecondary education and employment through policy supports, work-based learning intermediaries, data, funding and community partnerships.
The report draws out replicable lessons and strategies, but also profiles some of the challenges Delaware has faced in implementing the initiative, including changes in leadership, uncertain funding and student preparation.
