PUSD has the most Linked Learning Pathways with NAF Certified or Distinguished status than any other school district in the nation. There are 10 “Open Choice” Pathways with three emerging pathways that are working towards NAF certification (Academy of Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Academy of Careers in Education and Manufacturing and Construction Technology Academy).
NAF is a national network of education, business, and community leaders who work together to ensure high school students are college, career, and future ready.
NAF has grown from one NAF Academy of Finance in New York City to hundreds of academies across the country focusing on growing industries including: finance, hospitality & tourism, information technology, engineering, and health sciences. During the 2015-16 school year, nearly 89,000 students attended 716 NAF academies across 36 states, including DC and the US Virgin Islands. In 2015, NAF academies reported 98% of seniors graduated with 92% of graduates planned to go to college.
Linked Learning exposes high school students to previously unimagined college and career opportunities by turning their education into a personally relevant, engaging experience. Research shows that Linked Learning students have higher rates of engagement and higher graduation rates than their peers at traditional high schools. This approach to education is helping to create a disciplined, prepared, and productive future workforce for California, ready to succeed in college, career, and life.
As a result of the mounting evidence of Linked Learning’s effectiveness, the State of California has committed approximately $2 billion to help schools and regions establish and expand Linked Learning pathways. This has resulted in exponential growth in the number of school districts across California that are offering or planning to offer Linked Learning. The California Department of Education, The James Irvine Foundation, and the California Community Colleges are contributing new funding for 63 new pilot districts, ensuring that more districts, schools, and community colleges have the resources to develop Linked Learning pathways.