Comprehensive Programs of Study Connecting Academics & Professional/Technical Education

Building ConnectEd: The California Center for College and Career

In 2006, the James Irvine Foundation asked MPR to help found ConnectEd. ConnectEd is a hub for innovative practice, policy, and research to promote multiple education pathways leading to both college and careers for California students. MPR provided ConnectEd’s first staff and quickly built the organization into an effective force for change. ConnectEd works with schools, districts, policy makers, legislators, and other partners to develop comprehensive programs of study to prepare all students for both postsecondary education and the workforce. Though legally independent of one another, MPR and ConnectEd continue to collaborate frequently on projects. Visit ConnectEd's website

Creating a system for college and career preparation in Oregon

MPR provided a series of recommendations, based on promising practices in seven other states, to help Oregon’s schools better prepare students for both college and career. With the goal of forging stronger connections between academic and career and technical education and between secondary and postsecondary levels, recommendations included creating a statewide model for integrating academics and CTE and providing professional development for CTE and academic teachers to prepare them for teaching in integrated programs.
View Oregon CTE Study

Creating new options for career and technical education (CTE) in Wyoming

Wyoming turned to MPR to help the state better prepare its high school graduates for a full range of options in employment, training, and higher education. MPR developed a strategic plan that integrates CTE and academics into comprehensive programs of study focused on industry sectors. View Strategic Plan