JFF Senior Director Jennifer Freeman recently co-authored an opinion column in Community College Daily about the need to update the guided pathways model to close racial equity gaps and promote a stronger focus on career outcomes.

She and co-author Tonjua Williams, president of St. Petersburg College in Florida, argue that the solution is to combine the guided pathways model with the career pathways model to create a new framework called guided career pathways, through which institutions can help learners develop in-demand labor market competencies, quickly earn credentials, and build practical skills.

“The once-groundbreaking guided pathways approach is in need of a refresh,” they write. “To make good on the promise of community college completion, it’s time to reimagine guided pathways for today’s learners and labor market.”