The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) 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.  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. 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.