Adriana Harrington is the Managing Director of Policy for ExcelinEd.
The world of work is moving fast these days, and ensuring that students are prepared for higher-wage, in-demand careers is more important than ever. States across the country are investing in college and career pathways policies to help meet evolving workforce needs, drive economic growth and expand opportunities for students.
But how do we know these investments are working? How can policymakers ensure that pathways policies are truly leading to gainful employment and long-term success for students?
A new report from ExcelinEd provides answers. “Maximizing Return on Investment: How States Can Analyze Pathways to Improve Student Success” is designed to help state policymakers conduct a meaningful ROI analysis of pathways policies. By focusing on student outcomes, economic mobility and the ability to thrive in high-demand, high-skill, high-wage (H3) occupations, this guide equips leaders with the tools they need to make data-driven decisions about where to invest in pathways that deliver real results.
The traditional high school experience hasn’t changed much in decades— too many students move from class to class, memorizing material that may or may not prepare them for the modern workforce.
Meanwhile, the labor market is evolving at breakneck speed, requiring new skills and competencies. State policymakers have an opportunity to ensure that education systems are keeping pace with these changes.
A strong ROI analysis helps states answer critical questions:
By embedding ROI analysis into policymaking, states can ensure that resources are allocated to programs that truly benefit students, employers, and local economies.
The “Maximizing Return on Investment” guide lays out a clear step-by-step process for conducting an ROI analysis. The framework, grounded in ExcelinEd’s Pathways Matter approach, offers practical guidance on how to evaluate and improve pathways policies.
Key steps include:
The guide also includes examples from states like Colorado, Florida, Indiana and Mississippi—offering real-world examples of how policymakers can leverage ROI analysis to improve student outcomes and economic mobility.
One of the biggest takeaways from this guide is that ROI analysis isn’t just a one-time exercise—it’s an ongoing process that helps states make informed decisions over time.
An ROI provides powerful data to make change including:
For policymakers, this guide provides a roadmap for making smart, strategic changes and investments in pathways that prepare students for success. By prioritizing ROI analysis as a key tool, states can ensure that every dollar spent on education and workforce development leads to meaningful, measurable outcomes.
State leaders and policymakers who want to take a data-driven approach to pathways investments should explore the “Maximizing Return on Investment: How States Can Analyze Pathways to Improve Student Success” guide on our website and contact our Pathways team with questions about next steps and implementation.
With practical steps and real-world examples, this playbook is an essential resource for shaping policies that benefit students, employers and the broader economy.
The future of our workforce depends on the decisions made today. By measuring and maximizing the return on investment in pathways strategies, states can ensure that students are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow and equipped for lifelong success.
