ISBE Celebrates Class of 2024 Graduates Earning College and Career Pathway Endorsements

​SPRINGFIELD-The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) today celebrated the 2,422 high school graduates in the Class of 2024 who earned College and Career Pathway Endorsements on their diplomas. Earning an endorsement is akin to declaring a major in college. It demonstrates to institutions of higher education and future employers that a student has a sufficient knowledge base and hands-on experience in their endorsement area.

About half of school districts have chosen to adopt the pathway endorsement program early, in advance of the statewide requirement. The number of endorsements awarded to the Class of 2024 more than doubled from the 1,072 earned by the Class of 2023, reflecting the steady growth of the College and Career Pathways Endorsement Program.

"High school is a critical time for preparing students for their future," said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. "The College and Career Pathway Endorsement program plays a key role in ensuring they are ready for life after graduation. By connecting students with real-world experiences and specialized coursework, we are giving them the tools to thrive in both college and career. I applaud the students and school districts opting into this program early, providing valuable leadership for other districts to follow."

All high school and unit districts are required to offer one College and Career Pathway Endorsement by the 2026-27 school year (for the Class of 2027) and offer a second pathway endorsement by the 2028-29 school year (for the Class of 2029). School districts with more than 350 schools are required to offer a third pathway endorsement by the 2030-31 school year (for the Class of 2031). About half of school districts in Illinois have opted for early adoption of the program, already offering one or more pathway endorsements.

During the 2023-24 school year, 94 school districts offered endorsements across eight fields. Notably, there were 935 graduates who specialized in Human and Public Services this year, accounting for over one-third of all participants from the Class of 2024. This endorsement, aligned with career clusters such as education, law enforcement, and social services, equips students with essential skills and hands-on experience in fields that are vital to community well-being and public service.

Illinois' 2015 Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act established the endorsements to recognize and incentivize student attainment of knowledge and skills important for success after high school. The pathway to achieving the prestigious endorsement encourages students to consider potential careers early on and seamlessly connects their high school experience to their next step after graduation. Endorsements signal to colleges, universities, and employers that students are career-ready and have built a strong foundation in their chosen field.

Students in participating school districts earn endorsements by:

• Creating an individualized college and career plan;
• Engaging in hands-on career exploration and workplace-based preparation experiences like internships;
• Completing two years of coursework, including earning at least six hours of early college credit, that equals a postsecondary credential with labor market value; and
• Meeting the standards for non-remedial college coursework.

Districts awarded the following endorsements to the Class of 2024 graduates:

• Arts and Communications - 60 endorsements (5 districts)
• Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources - 168 endorsements (11 districts)
• Finance and Business Services - 376 endorsements (12 districts)
• Health Sciences and Technology - 621 endorsements (50 districts)
• Human and Public Services - 935 endorsements (55 districts)
• Information Technology - 81 endorsements (8 districts)
• Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology, and Trades - 175 endorsements (15 districts)
• Multidisciplinary - 6 endorsements (3 districts)

Visit ISBE's College and Career Pathway Endorsement webpage for more information, including current virtual and statewide in-person professional learning opportunities for school district personnel.

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