Innovation Pathways (2025-2026)

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Innovation Pathways are designed to create strong partnerships with employers to expose students to career options and help them develop knowledge and skills related to their chosen field of study and complete college-level coursework before graduating from West Springfield High School.

WSHS received an official designation from DESE to offer three Innovation Pathways programs, which include Business & Finance, Healthcare & Social Assistance, and Computer Science & Information Technology.

INNOVATION PATHWAYS ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

Innovation Pathways students enroll in a series of industry-focused electives that prepare them for a wide variety of careers in various high-demand industries. The Innovation Pathways program has five (5) requirements that must be fulfilled before graduating.

-Students must successfully pass three (3) career-focused IP classes.

-Next, students must complete two (2) college-level courses.

Finally, the last requirement is to have each student complete either an IP Capstone course or a 100-hour internship during their senior year.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM BENEFITS

As an Innovation Pathways student, there are many additional benefits to joining the program including but not limited to; professional development opportunities such as Junior Achievement sessions, networking events, and various Work-Based Learning opportunities that provide students with exposure to workplace expectations and job skills.

While enrolled in the IP program, students have the opportunity to earn up to enroll in up to five (5) Early College courses per year for free through a Springfield Technical Community College/ CDEP grant. Additionally, Innovation Pathways students can qualify for Work-Based Learning opportunities at any point in the year, especially during the YouthWorks/NEFWC summer work program. Students receive employment preparation training which includes resume writing, job interview counseling, and a detailed work performance assessment through a MA WBL Plan.

After completing the Innovation Pathways program at West Springfield High School, students have the opportunity to continue their education at a two-year or four-year institution or choose to seek full-time or part-time employment opportunities at local businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.

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