Below is a press release from Wilmington High School:
WILMINGTON, MA — Wilmington High School is proud to announce it has been awarded a new Innovation Career Pathway (ICP) designation from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, marking the school’s first time receiving this honor. WHS is now officially recognized for pathways in Business and Finance, and Environmental and Life Sciences, two high-demand industries critical to the state’s economy and future workforce.
As part of a statewide effort to expand access to hands-on, career-connected learning, these Innovation Career Pathways offer students a chance to explore fields aligned with growing sectors while gaining real-world experience through internships and coursework – all at no cost to families. The designation builds on the momentum of a $15,000 state planning grant awarded to Wilmington Public Schools earlier this year to support the development of these pathways.
Wilmington High School’s designation reflects the leadership of Mary Beth Valuk, Mathematics Curriculum Team Leader, Julie Kim, Science Curriculum Team Leader, Mollie Dickerson, School Counseling Leader, and Mark Staffier, Assistant Principal. All have been instrumental in developing the school’s proposal and are already planning to apply for additional pathways in Clean Energy, Advanced Manufacturing, and Information Technology in the years ahead.
“This designation is more than a recognition, it’s an investment in our students and in Wilmington’s future,” said Valuk. “We’re thrilled to give students a meaningful head start in fields they may want to pursue after high school.”
“This pathway opens the door for our students to engage with real-world environmental challenges in meaningful ways,” said Kim. “It’s an exciting step toward preparing them for impactful careers in science and sustainability.”
WHS already supports students through a robust senior exploration program, which includes a 120-hour internship or capstone project. With the new designation, students will now have the opportunity to align that exploration with coursework and career preparation in business, finance, and environmental science – enhancing both academic and professional readiness.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Innovation Career Pathways are designed to create strong employer partnerships and expose students to career options early. With this new designation, WHS joins 36 other schools across the state receiving pathway expansions, including five new designations in the Clean Energy sector. Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, nearly 30 percent of eligible high schools across Massachusetts will offer these career-connected programs.
“Innovation Career Pathways have a positive impact for our high school students and for the future of our workforce. By expanding access to applied learning in fields like clean energy, life sciences, and information technology, we’re preparing young people for successful careers in some of the fastest-growing industries in our state,” said Governor Maura Healey.
Wilmington Public Schools looks forward to continuing its investment in student-centered learning that connects academic excellence with real-world application.
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