Resource Hub

This resource outlines critical insights and actionable recommendations gathered through interviews and focus groups with diverse stakeholders, including students, families, educators, and employers. Conducted by Capitol Impact between May and October 2025, the findings highlight several key themes essential to building strong career pathways. Notably, the importance of early career awareness and guidance is emphasized, as well as the need for stronger employer-education partnerships to ensure alignment between industry needs and educational outcomes. Additionally, the report underscores the significance of addressing equity challenges to expand opportunities for underrepresented students in STEM fields, advocating for mentorship, skill-building, and access to resources to help close gaps and support long-term career success.

Career pathways maps serve three key functions: aligning programs and services, connecting educational achievements with certification and employment, and helping students navigate their options based on their interests. This toolkit is designed for community colleges, K-12 partners, and ideally, four-year institutions to map strong, seamless career pathways. By providing clear pathways, these maps help students progress through college, earn valuable credentials, and secure jobs that support their families. Included in the resources are an example case study, sector-specific pathway maps, and blank templates for your use.

This quarter’s policy brief by Capitol Impact focuses on the Recovery with Equity recommendation adopted by the Sacramento K-16 Collaborative to make college more affordable. The brief analyzes how state policy and programs are addressing the cost of college as well as the implications and opportunities for the Sacramento K-16 Collaborative to make access to college more equitable and affordable for all learners. Considerations are presented for each Sacramento K-16 Collaborative workgroup, as well as opportunities for Collaborative advocacy.

This initial section of the policy brief outlines the state-level initiatives that influence education and workforce policy. Additionally, it includes a concise overview of student outcomes in higher education state-wide, highlighting areas of both growth and concern. By comprehending both student outcomes and these system-wide initiatives, the Collaborative can leverage potential opportunities for regional projects while also addressing any foreseeable challenges.

An overview of Los Rios’ Graduation Acceleration Initiative that aims to improve the student experience from application to graduation and transfer.

This initial section of the policy brief outlines the state-level initiatives that influence education and workforce policy. Additionally, it includes a concise overview of student outcomes in higher education state-wide, highlighting areas of both growth and concern. By comprehending both student outcomes and these system-wide initiatives, the Collaborative can leverage potential opportunities for regional projects while also addressing any foreseeable challenges.

Sharing Best Practices to Inform Action Plans

Sharing Best Practices to Inform Action Plans

This first section of the policy brief provides an overview of the state-level initiatives in play that will impact higher education policy. In addition, a brief overview of trends in the field offers insight into areas of concern and opportunity. Understanding the current system-wide initiatives allows for the regional projects of the Collaborative to take advantage of potential future benefits as well as attempt to mitigate any identifiable concerns.

The aim of the analysis is to provide decision-makers in the Career Pathways Workgroup of the Sacramento K-16 Collaborative with a deeper insight into what healthcare and engineering pathways exist at the K-12 and postsecondary level, and what supports may be needed to strengthen these pathways.