Pathways to Success Toolkit

Build learner-centered pathways that connect education and work.

Align partners, remove barriers, and track impact across your ecosystem.

This toolkit is made possible through the generous support of the ECMC Foundation and the valued partnership of Metropolitan Community College of Nebraska (MCC) and the College of Southern Nevada (CSN).

Learn More About the Toolkit

What Is the Pathways to Success Toolkit

The Pathways to Success Toolkit is a practical guide that helps communities design and strengthen learner-centered pathways that connect education and work.

It focuses on how partners can work together to align systems, reduce barriers for learners, and coordinate shared intake, coaching, and support services—so more people can gain skills, earn credentials, and move into strong careers.

Who It’s For

  • Community and technical colleges seeking stronger employer alignment
  • Workforce boards coordinating regional partners
  • K–12 and CTE leaders building clear postsecondary pathways
  • Community organizations supporting learner persistence
  • Employers and industry associations shaping talent pipelines

Outcomes Exceeding Goals

Results from pilot communities surpassed initial participation and completion targets

34%

NCRC® score improvement

6,060

Additional learners enrolled

87%

Earned a stackable credential

98%

Continued education within one year

Five Strategy Areas

Use these strategies to plan, launch, and scale pathways that connect education, training, and work in your community.

Icon: Sharing
Aligning Shared Goals for Success
Bring partners together to align education and workforce goals, co-design programs, and create shared measures of success.
Icon: Leveraging
Leveraging Resources & Funding Opportunities
Identify, coordinate, and braid funding streams so learners can access tuition, materials, and support services.
Icon: Training
Creating Tailored Education Training & IET Programs
Develop stackable credentials and integrated education and training (IET) programs that respond to local labor market needs.
Icon: Expanding
Expanding Community Outreach & Engagement
Use targeted outreach, trusted community partners, and clear communication to increase awareness and participation.
Icon: Enhancing
Enhancing Career Pathways with Integrated Support Services
Implement shared intake, career skills coaching, and wraparound supports that help learners stay on track from enrollment to employment.

Explore Case Studies & Spotlights

Case Studies

Aligning Shared Goals for Success
Building Sustainable Workforce Partnerships
Explore how MCC used strategic philanthropy to strengthen workforce partnerships pilot innovations and sustain regional talent development.
Aligning Shared Goals for Success
Local IT and Manufacturing Programs
See how MCC partnered with IT and manufacturing employers to deliver industry-aligned training with paid experience and learner supports.
Leveraging Resources and Funding Opportunities
$10M Braided Funding Initiative
Learn how MCC braided public private and philanthropic funding to scale a regional workforce initiative serving thousands of learners.
Leveraging Resources and Funding Opportunities
Creative Collaboration in Action
Discover how CSN aligned funding partners to expand access improve retention and deliver integrated workforce and education services.
Creating Tailored Education Training Programs & Integrated Education and Training (IET) Programs
Nebraska Manufacturing Tier 1 Certification
See how MCC and statewide partners created an industry-driven credential to strengthen entry-level manufacturing career pathways.
Creating Tailored Education Training Programs & Integrated Education and Training (IET) Programs
MCC Logistics IET Program
Learn how MCC’s logistics IET program combines foundational skills technical training and employer partnerships for strong employment outcomes.
Creating Tailored Education Training Programs & Integrated Education and Training (IET) Programs
Dialysis IET Program at CSN
Find out how CSN’s Dialysis IET program prepares adult learners for healthcare careers through integrated training and stackable credentials.
Expanding Community Outreach and Engagement
Transforming Opportunity Through Workforce Readiness
Expand access and align training with employer needs.
Enhancing Career Pathways with Integrated Support Services
Expanding College Credit Pathways
See how colleges use the WorkKeys NCRC to award credit for prior learning and accelerate credential completion.
Enhancing Career Pathways with Integrated Support Services
Jaqueline’s Path to Healthcare
See how Jaqueline transitioned from ESL classes to a healthcare career through integrated education and training.
Enhancing Career Pathways with Integrated Support Services
Nestor’s Manufacturing Journey
Discover how Nestor rebuilt his career through CSN’s manufacturing training and industry-recognized credentials.

Community Spotlights

Leveraging Resources and Funding Opportunities
Braiding Resources to Expand Access
Learn how MCC uses braided funding and employer partnerships to deliver inclusive workforce programs with strong learner outcomes.
Leveraging Resources and Funding Opportunities
Closing the Gap with Ability-to-Benefit
See how CSN’s Ability-to-Benefit model helps adult learners earn college credit while completing high school equivalency.
Expanding Community Outreach and Engagement
Reaching Communities through Media and Local Partnerships
Discover how CSN uses targeted media outreach and partnerships to connect underserved communities to education programs.
Expanding Community Outreach and Engagement
Building Bridges Through Collaborative Outreach
Learn how community-based outreach and local partnerships increased enrollment and strengthened referral pipelines.
Enhancing Career Pathways with Integrated Support Services
From Uncertainty to Opportunity - Jamal’s Journey
Follow how Jamal used MCC’s integrated supports and credential pathways to advance his career and educational goals.