The Worcester Public Schools will launch a Clean Energy Pathway program in the 2026-27 school year for grade 10-12 students through Innovation Career Pathways. The program will launch as a result of funding WPS will receive from the state’s FY27 Innovation Career Pathways Implementation Grant.
Innovation Career Pathways is an extended day program, meeting weekdays between 2:30 PM and 5:15 PM, for grade 10, 11 and 12 students who are not currently enrolled in a Chapter 74 career technical education (CTE) program.
Eligible students (who are currently in grades 9 and 10) can apply online to Innovation Career Pathways. Students are selected through a randomized lottery admissions process.
In addition to the new Clean Energy Pathway, Worcester Public Schools has Innovation Career Pathways in the following areas: Advanced Manufacturing; Allied Health; Business, Finance, and Marketing; Construction and Related Engineering; Information Technology; and Biotechnology.
“The Worcester Public Schools is proud to continuously expand learning opportunities to ensure our students have the necessary skills for fulfilling careers,” said Brian E. Allen, Superintendent of Worcester Public Schools. “Clean Energy is a growing industry that is critical to supporting the long-term sustainability of the climate and has a strong need for skilled professionals.”
Upon completion of the Clean Energy Innovation Career Pathway, students will gain foundational and applied knowledge in clean energy systems, environmental science, sustainability practices, and workplace safety aligned to regional labor market needs. They will be able to analyze energy systems, evaluate environmental impacts, follow industry safety protocols, and apply technical concepts to real-world clean energy activities and scenarios.
Students will earn OSHA 10–Construction Industry certification through the Introduction to Clean Energy & Climate Science course, preparing them for entry-level employment and compliance with industry standards. As the program expands, students may also access additional industry-recognized credentials in areas such as energy systems, environmental monitoring, or building performance.
The pathway emphasizes problem solving, teamwork, communication, and career readiness, equipping students for successful transition to postsecondary education, registered apprenticeships, or direct employment. A required 100-hour career immersion experience will further strengthen professional skills and workforce preparedness.
Students in the pathway will take the following courses in grades 10, 11 and 12:
Introduction to Clean Energy and Climate Science
Clean Energy and Trades Technology
Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science
Advanced Placement (AP) Physics I
Career and Academic Planning I and II
Innovation Career Pathways Internship
The Clean Energy Pathway was developed to address a critical workforce shortage in the sectors of HVAC, solar and energy science. Graduates will be positioned to enter growing regional industries, supporting local and statewide climate goals, and contribute to a skilled workforce pipeline addressing urgent economic and sustainability priorities.