About ConnectEd
Founded by the James Irvine Foundation in 2006, ConnectEd: The California Center for College and Career is dedicated to advancing practice, policy, and research aimed at helping young people prepare for both college and career through Linked Learning—a high school improvement approach.
The "Linked Learning" Name
Linked Learning is the new name for the educational approach formerly known in California as "multiple pathways." After extensive public opinion research, the schools and organizations implementing this approach selected the Linked Learning name to more clearly convey its unique benefits to students, educators, parents and policymakers. Read More.
ConnectEd's mission is to support the development of Linked Learning by which California's young people can complete high school, enroll in postsecondary education, attain a formal credential, and embark on lasting success in the world of work, civic affairs, and family life.
ConnectEd’s work supports quality pathway development by
- Championing the development of new pathways that offer challenging, comprehensive programs of study leading to both postsecondary and career success;
- Building and leading a coalition of partners, such as the Linked Learning Alliance dedicated to transforming how California’s high schools prepare young people for college and career;
- Providing technical assistance to support local schools or districts that want to adopt a Linked Learning approach;
- Developing integrated curriculum units, based on industry themes, and methods of instruction and school organization that will better serve students;
- Building awareness about Linked Learning through publications, video profiles, presentations, the ConnectEd website, and convenings; and
- Informing decision-making on high school reform by analyzing policy issues, producing research reports, and developing options and implementation plans to support quality pathways.
For more information, check out the ConnectEd Fact Sheet.
