Delaware Receives $20 Million Grant to Expand Career Pathways for Students

Delaware is set to receive a $20 million grant to bolster career pathways for high school students, aiming to better align education with workforce needs and ensure students graduate with a clear direction for their future. The funding, awarded through the U.S. Department of Education’s Pathways to Success program, will be rolled out in phases, beginning in the 2026–27 academic year.

Aligning Education with Workforce Demands

The grant will support initiatives across the state, including expanded dual enrollment opportunities, Advanced Placement training, and the development of college and career navigator roles. Districts like Seaford School District are already proactively reshaping programs to address local and statewide workforce gaps. Nikki Miller, supervisor of instruction overseeing career and technical education for secondary schools in Seaford, highlighted the addition of a teacher academy specifically designed to attract minority, Spanish-speaking, and male candidates to the profession.

Expanding Access to Credentials and College Credit

Seaford is also increasing access to credentialing programs, allowing seniors to participate in adult education courses to earn certifications in fields like welding and phlebotomy. A key priority is expanding dual enrollment opportunities without imposing fees on students, particularly those from low-income families. The district recently added a hydroponics course to its agriculture pathway, funded by grant money, allowing students to earn college credit while still in high school. They are also exploring partnerships with Delaware Technical Community College and Wilmington University to transition Advanced Placement courses into college credit opportunities.

Statewide Initiatives and FAFSA Completion

Delaware’s strong track record in preparing students for post-secondary success contributed to securing the grant. Approximately 75% of Delaware high school students – around 30,000 – are currently enrolled in one of the state’s 12 career pathways, spanning fields such as STEM, health sciences, and public service. The state also boasts a high rate of FAFSA completion, ranking in the top 10 nationally.

Phased Implementation and Long-Term Goals

The funding will be implemented in phases. The initial phase (2026–27) will focus on statewide expansion of existing programs like Advanced Placement training and data capacity building. Targeted pilot programs, including college and career navigator roles and expanded dual enrollment agreements, will be launched in select districts and higher education institutions. By 2027 and 2028, most initiatives are expected to be implemented statewide.

According to Rodel’s Herdman, the overarching goal is to help students make informed choices about their future. “Pathways are really about helping young people make good choices,” he said. “We don’t want students to transition beyond high school without a strong sense of self and what they want to turn into.”

Gen Z and Post-High School Planning

A 2023 survey by ECMC Group revealed that while 78% of Generation Z high school students recognize the importance of a career plan before graduating, only 13% feel fully prepared to make decisions about their future. This highlights the need for comprehensive support systems to guide students through the transition from high school to post-secondary education or the workforce.