THE ROAD TO RECOVERY - How States Are Building Pathways to Postsecondary and Career Success Using Federal Relief Funds - introduction

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Kyle

A national overview explains why a high school diploma no longer ensures economic success and how postsecondary education and workforce training are increasingly required. It outlines how state education agencies leveraged Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding after COVID-19 disruptions, including a set-aside process that directed nearly $190 billion to support pandemic relief. The report details how states strengthened college and career pathways through college readiness metrics, CTE expansion, early college credit access, and data-driven accountability.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

State ESSER Spending Trends

THE ROAD TO RECOVERY How States Are Building Pathways to Postsecondary and Career Success Using Federal Relief Funds CCSSO One Massachusetts Avenue, NW Suite 800 Washington, DC 20001 THE ROAD TO How States Are Building Pathways to Postsecondary RECOVERY and Career Success Using Federal Relief Funds THE COUNCIL OF CHIEF STATE SCHOOL OFFICERS The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a nonpartisan, nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, Bureau of Indian Education, and five U. S. extra-state jurisdictions. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and technical assistance on major educational issues. The Council seeks member consensus on major educational issues and expresses their views to civic and professional organizations, federal agencies, Congress, and the public. COUNCIL OF CHIEF STATE SCHOOL OFFICERS Kirsten Baesler (North Dakota), President Carissa Moffat Miller, Chief Executive Officer © 2is0l2i.CCSSOnsed un. Rdoeraadto RCreaeticoverve Coym: How Statemons AttriAre Butionild0inLig Pacens: wayshttps:to//crPoseatitsveeconcomry anonsodrgC/lareiceenrsSesccbyss0/Using Federal Relief Funds 2 THE ROAD TO How States Are Building Pathways to Postsecondary RECOVERY and Career Success Using Federal Relief Funds INTRODUCTION A high school diploma is no longer a guarantee of economic success. By 2031, 72 percent of all jobs nationally will require postsecondary education and/or training, according to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. Further, 28 percent of all tasks in current jobs will, on average, be at risk of automation by 2031.1 States are increasingly recognizing the role schools play in preparing students for life after highschool. Forty-one states and the District of Columbia incorporate at least one college and career readiness metric or postsecondary outcome in their federal or state accountability systems.2 States have also been working to strengthen high-quality college and career pathways by bolstering career and technical education (CTE) programs, expanding access to early college credit opportunities and connecting learning to the world of work. The COVID-19 pandemic only increased the urgency behind these efforts. During the pandemic, young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 experienced the largest share of employment loss.3 At the same time, college enrollment dropped precipitously and only started to increase in 2023.4 By fall 2023, total undergraduate college enrollment remained about 5.6% below prepandemic levels. In the wake of the pandemic, educators have had to fight challenges on multiple fronts—including catching students up on past unfinished learning while simultaneously preparing them for their futures. Aided by federal relief funding for K-12 education, state education agencies (SEAs) worked to fortify pathways to postsecondary and career success. Over three successive rounds of funding from March 2020 to March 2021, the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund funneled nearly $190 billion to states, districts and schools to support pandemic relief. States could set aside up to 10%—amounting to approximately $19 billion total—for use by the SEA. This report, part of the Council of Chief State School Officer’s (CCSSO) Road to Recovery series, examines how states used their ESSER set-aside funds to strengthen college and career pathways. 1 Carnevale, A. P., Smith, N., Van Der Werf, M. & Quinn, M. C. (2023). After Everything: Projections of Jobs, Education, and Training Requirements through 2031. Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. [https://cew.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/Projections2031-National-Report.pdf](https://cew.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/Projections2031-National-Report.pdf) [2](2 Education Strate

FAQs

Why does the report say a high school diploma is no longer a guarantee of economic success?

It cites projections showing that by 2031 most jobs will require postsecondary education and that many current job tasks face automation risk.

What federal funding mechanism did states use to support postsecondary and career pathways after COVID-19?

States received Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding, and they could set aside up to 10% for use by the state education agency.

What kinds of activities did states invest in to improve college and career readiness?

Investments included dedicated college and career readiness programs and after-school or summer learning supports focused on post-high school preparation.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Kyle