Initiatives / Career Pathways / Grants

Grants

Through grantmaking and partnership, we work to increase the number of Boston students who progress through career pathways that are engaging and relevant, address community needs, and prepare young people to enter meaningful careers.

Applications for the 2025-2026 Career Pathways Grants are now closed.

For reference purposes, view the full grant guidelines and applications here. 

Career Pathways funds grants in 2 areas:

Foundations of Career and Academic Learning (FOCAL Grants)

FOCAL Grants will support schools interested in integrating school-wide efforts around career readiness, with specific attention on leveraging personalized learning plans through MyCAP.

Eligibility for FOCAL Grants

  • Public secondary schools in Boston. Priority will be given to schools interested in working in the middle grades.
  • Must demonstrate commitment of planning team members, including representation of school leadership, academics, student supports, and guidance, to engage in implementation and review efforts.
  • Must demonstrate commitment to engaging in professional development and technical assistance activities, such as workshops, site observations, and school-based supports.
  • Priority will be given to applicants who participated in the DESE College and Career Advising Professional Development series presented through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Initiative for Deepening and Expanding Access to Learning through Career Pathways (IDEAL Career Pathways Grants)

IDEAL Career Pathways Grants will support schools and their career-focused partner organizations to increase student access and persistence in existing career pathways by supporting pathway development in elements of high quality pathways.

Eligibility for IDEAL Career Pathways Grants

  • Schools that enroll students in grades 9-12 with existing MA DESE career pathways or demonstrated interest in career learning
  • Nonprofit organizations with school-connected partnerships focused on career learning or career pathways

We will host open office hours for interested applicants on March 25 - April 23, 2025. Meeting times can be reserved via Calendly.

Contact LaVonia Montouté, Senior Director of Career Pathways, careerpathways@edvestors.org for any questions

Timeline

  • March 26 - April 23: Optional Office Hours via Calendly or bookings
  • March - April 25: Rolling acceptance of applications
  • April 25, 4 pm: Deadline for applications
  • May: Participating Schools Notified 
  • May/June: Grantee Information Session 
  • May 2025 - August 2026: Grant Period