Ten years ago, three schools shared the Chestnut campus in Springfield, MA. All ranked at the very bottom of the state's accountability system – even the one designated an honors academy. Today, however, the programming in the building has undergone a radical and successful transformation. That honors program is the most improved school in the state, and the other schools now in the building have designed purposes and goals. These additional schools include a culturally responsive dual language school and a wall-to-wall early college program where high school students earn college credits and associate degrees.

We know from robust research that demographics play a large role in the destiny of too many students and that economic mobility is significantly more difficult to achieve for students from high-poverty neighborhoods and rural communities. We also know that high school or even college graduation is only part of the puzzle - that students do better in school and life when they have access to career exploration and navigation, strong college and career advising, and meaningful work-based learning in the form of internships, apprenticeships, and pathways to certification in their field of interest. For over a decade, Empower Schools has supported the pioneers of “remixing” high school, college, and career to help students persist in college, graduate with relevant credentials, and achieve family-sustaining wages. Our systemic approach helps students access fulfilling careers through Early College and Career Pathways.