Eight of every ten Illinois jobs require credentials or degrees more than a high school diploma. The Pathways courses of study are part of an innovative State of Illinois-led STEM education initiative designed to support college and career readiness for all students. The Pathways courses of study are organized around career clusters and feature a series of orientation and advanced pathway courses, including early college/College Dual Credit. These courses of study are designed to be accompanied by opportunities for students to enrich their learning through work-based learning experiences as well as demonstrate their understanding through assessments and industry credentialing opportunities. Each Pathway is designed to maximize opportunities and eventually lead to stackable credentials including associate, baccalaureate, and post-graduate degrees.

The overall purpose of following a selected pathway is to prepare for career success in a changing, highly technical, dynamic workplace. Current focus in the region is on three pathways—Advanced Manufacturing, IT, and Healthcare. The following high school courses align with these pathways: