Alabama Department of Youth Services Expands Career-Connected Learning Opportunities for Students Through Partnership with Pathway2Careers

Pathway2Careers Selected to Develop Innovative Career-Connected Learning Courses for Schools

MONTGOMERY, Ala., Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Under the leadership of Dr. SoJuan Crenshaw, Career and Technical Education Coordinator for the Alabama Department of Youth Services (DYS), the Department is expanding access to Career-Connected Learning (CCL) opportunities designed to engage students in meaningful career exploration while simultaneously addressing academic achievement gaps.

Through a new partnership with Pathway2Careers (P2C), students served by DYS will gain access to innovative career-connected learning resources that help them connect education to future opportunities, build employability skills, and develop a stronger sense of purpose and direction.

The initiative will focus on two critical priorities:

1. Career Engagement and Exploration – Helping students discover careers aligned to their interests, strengths, and goals through career awareness, exploration activities, and real-world career connections.
2. Academic Recovery and Math Achievement – Utilizing P2C Math Bridge and career-connected mathematics curriculum to help students close academic gaps while making learning more relevant and engaging.

The P2C instructional model embeds more than 650 careers into mathematics instruction, allowing students to see firsthand how academic concepts connect to high-demand occupations and future career pathways. The approach transforms traditional math instruction into a meaningful learning experience by answering one of the most common student questions: "Why do I need to learn this?"

"Career-connected learning provides students with a vision for their future while helping them develop the academic skills needed to achieve that future," said Dr. SoJuan Crenshaw. "By connecting mathematics, career exploration, and workforce readiness, we are creating opportunities for students to re-engage in their education and better prepare for success beyond the classroom."

The P2C Math Bridge program is specifically designed to address unfinished learning and foundational skill gaps. Through targeted instruction, personalized learning opportunities, and career-focused applications, students can strengthen critical math skills while exploring potential career pathways.

As part of the initiative, Pathway2Careers will also work in partnership with the National Dropout Prevention Network to conduct a research study evaluating the effectiveness of career-connected learning as a strategy for improving student engagement. The study will examine how students respond to instruction that connects academic content to real-world careers, with a focus on identifying measurable changes in engagement, confidence, and relevance of learning. Findings from the study will help inform future implementation, strengthen supports for DYS students, and contribute to the broader national conversation about evidence-based strategies that keep students connected to school and prepared for life beyond the classroom.

"Research continues to show that students are more engaged when they understand the relevance of what they are learning," said Dr. Joseph Goins, CEO of Pathway2Careers. "We are honored to partner with the Alabama Department of Youth Services to provide students with opportunities to discover careers, build confidence, and close academic gaps through meaningful and engaging instruction."

The partnership reflects DYS's ongoing commitment to preparing students not only for graduation, but also for successful transitions into postsecondary education, training, military service, and employment. By integrating career-connected learning into academic instruction, DYS is helping students develop both the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an ever-changing workforce.

The initiative will provide students with access to career exploration resources, labor market information, employability skills development, and career-connected mathematics curriculum designed to support both academic growth and long-term career success.

About the Alabama Department of Youth Services

The Alabama Department of Youth Services is committed to providing educational, career, and personal development opportunities that empower young people to become productive, successful members of their communities.

About Pathway2Careers

Pathway2Careers (P2C) is a national leader in Career-Connected Learning, helping students attain a successful future through career exploration, career-connected academics, labor market information, and workforce development solutions. P2C serves students, schools, districts, and state agencies across the country through innovative programs that connect education and industry.

SOURCE Pathway2Careers