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Regional Career Pathways

Regional Career Pathways

The Wisconsin Regional Career Pathways (RCP) approach is a statewide effort to deliver high-quality career pathways in high schools that reflect the needs and vision of a regional collaborative group of employers, education, and economic and workforce development.

The regional collaboratives adopt, implement, promote, and monitor high school career pathways in high-skill, in-demand industry sectors. They act as an advisory group, on behalf of regional districts, to identify and overcome barriers that prevent students in the region from accessing the pathway. An example of such a barrier may include college curriculum that is not aligned with the career pathway. In addition, the collaborative provides the means necessary for students to participate and complete a pathway by:

  • Taking a sequence of aligned courses,
  • Earning an industry-recognized credential,
  • Enrolling in dual college credit classes,
  • Participating in career-based and work-based learning experiences, and
  • Accessing related career and technical student organizations (CTSOs)

To learn more about funding for Regional Career Pathways, go to the Perkins Reserve Grants webpage.

Use this form to provide input to be considered in future revisions of Regional Career Pathway maps.

Video: The Story of Nate

See how regional career pathways work through the eyes of a student.

What are the Benefits of Regional Career Pathways?

  • For high school students, regional career pathways align education and training with the needs of the local job market, provide a range of postsecondary options, result in a high school diploma with at least one industry-recognized credential, and help students enter or advance within an occupation.
  • For schools, career pathways provide a specific ACP plan for occupations that are in demand in Wisconsin.This allows schools to focus on student and curriculum activities with input and support from regional employers and higher education.
  • For employers, regional career pathways make partnerships with a greater number of schools possible. This allows employers to shape the future talent pipeline, foster young talent, and highlight local career opportunities across an entire region.

Watch the video Pathways Wisconsin: Where Talent Starts. Learn how employers and educators work together to build pathways for students.