The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced at the State Board of Education meeting today that Pathways to Prosperity Missouri will expand to two additional sites in Mid-Missouri and the Kansas City region.

The Pathways to Prosperity initiative links high schools, higher education institutions and businesses with the needs of the labor market and provides information to students and their families so they can make informed decisions about education, training and career options. The project also partners with local employers to provide students with learning opportunities and hands-on experience as they transition into the work force.

“Great work is already underway through Pathways to Prosperity Missouri in our St. Louis area pilot started last year. We're excited to be able to offer this program in two additional regions of the state,” said Missouri Commissioner of Education Chris L. Nicastro. “The Pathways framework will provide an opportunity for students to graduate college- and career-ready by engaging them with real-life knowledge and skills. Our plan is to continue to replicate Missouri Pathways success throughout the state."

College- and career-readiness is one of the Department’s goals for its Top 10 by 20 initiative, which calls for education in Missouri to rank among the top 10 by the year 2020.

In June 2012, the Department partnered with the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Jobs for the Future, as well as business and community leaders on a national education initiative called the Pathways to Prosperity Network. Missouri is one of nine states participating in the Network.

Professor Robert Schwartz, professor of practice and academic dean at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, presented to the State Board at its meeting. Schwartz co-authored the initial Pathways Report and co-leads the Pathways to Prosperity Network.