Monson High School Earns State Recognition as Innovation Career Pathways School for Healthcare & Manufacturing

View Full Press Release - May 28, 2026

Monson Public Schools is proud to announce that Monson High School has been officially recognized by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) as a participating school in the state’s Innovation Career Pathways (ICP) initiative for both its Medical Assisting Pathway and Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Pathway through the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Reimagining High School initiative.

The designation reflects Monson High School’s continued commitment to expanding innovative, future-focused opportunities that help students prepare for success in college, careers, and beyond through hands-on, real-world learning experiences.

“We want Monson students to know that we offer multiple innovative opportunities that will prepare them for college, careers, and life,” said Superintendent Paul Foster. “At Monson High School, we are reimagining what a comprehensive high school experience can look like by combining strong academics, early college opportunities, and hands-on, career-connected learning that empowers students to discover their strengths, explore their interests, and prepare for life after graduation.”

In addition to its state-recognized Innovation Career Pathways, Monson High School has recently expanded Early College opportunities through its partnership with Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). Students now have access to 14 approved college-credit-bearing courses, allowing them to earn college credit while still in high school and potentially helping Monson and its school choice families save thousands of dollars in future higher education costs.

Principal Chris Fontaine said the pathways continue to create exciting opportunities for students to connect their education to future goals and career interests.

“We are building pathways that help students discover their passions, gain confidence, and see a direct connection between their education and the futures they envision for themselves,” said Fontaine. “Watching students become excited about their futures through these experiences has been one of the most rewarding parts of this work.”

The Medical Assisting Pathway provides students with hands-on healthcare training, clinical experiences, and opportunities connected to industry-recognized certifications and regional healthcare partnerships, including opportunities connected to Baystate Health.

The Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Pathway immerses students in engineering design, robotics, automation, manufacturing technologies, CNC machining, and collaborative project-based learning experiences aligned with one of the fastest-growing industries in Western Massachusetts.

For students like freshman Yerriel Gonzalez, the pathways are already helping shape future goals and career interests.

“This is a really great program for Monson High School, and I’m excited to continue learning more through it,” said Gonzalez. “I’m interested in a future in engineering and construction, and I’m looking forward to working with the CNC machines and gaining valuable skills that can help me in the future.”

Monson Public Schools will celebrate the designation with a community and media event on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at Monson High School, located at 55 Margaret Street in Monson, Massachusetts.

The designation reflects what is possible when educators, families, community partners, and students work together to create meaningful opportunities for young people.