Innovation Pathways

Innovation Pathways is a three-year program designed to provide high school students with opportunities to explore specific career sectors through rigorous academic coursework and meaningful career experiences. The program helps students develop the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to be better prepared for postsecondary education and future careers.

All Innovation Pathway programs are offered at no cost to students and families, and there is no minimum GPA requirement to participate.

Read more about each pathway and its course requirements below.

Business and Finance

The Business & Finance Innovation Pathway is designed for students interested in careers in business, finance, accounting, economics, and related fields. Students participate in rigorous academic and technical coursework while gaining real-world experience and earning industry-recognized credentials.

Sample Program Timeline

  • Year 1 (typically 10th grade): Algebra II (or Algebra II with Financial Applications) and Computer Applications/Office 365
  • Year 2: Economics and one Rigorous course
  • Year 3: Financial Literacy & Consumerism and one Rigorous course

Multiple entry points are available for eligible students in grades 10-12 who can complete the program requirements before graduation. Students can complete the required 100-hour internship in either 11th or 12th grade (Year 2 or Year 3).

Technical Courses

  • Computer Applications/Office 365
  • Economics
  • Financial Literacy & Consumerism
  • Algebra II with Financial Applications

Rigorous Courses

  • Principles of Accounting I (Bristol Community College)
  • Principles of Management (Bristol Community College)
  • Introduction to Business (Massachusetts Maritime Academy)
  • AP Statistics
  • AP Economics

Industry-Recognized Credential Offerings

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)QuickBooksMoney SmartBank Teller Certificate
Environmental and Life Sciences

The Environmental and Life Sciences Innovation Pathway is designed for students interested in careers in science, healthcare, engineering, environmental policy, and related fields. Students participate in rigorous academic coursework and hands-on laboratory and field-based learning while investigating ecosystems, climate science, and sustainability.

Sample Program Timeline

  • Year 1 (typically 10th grade): Environmental Science or Chemistry
  • Year 2: BIO 114 and ENL 101 (UMass Dartmouth)
  • Year 3: Statistics and Pathway PLAN

Multiple entry points are available for eligible students in grades 10-12 who can complete the program requirements before graduation. Pathway PLAN is the program's equivalent of a capstone project: students Propose the investigation, Launch the experimentation, Assess the data, and Network the results.

Technical Courses

  • Environmental Science
  • Chemistry
  • Statistics
  • Critical Writing & Reading I (ENL 101 - UMass Dartmouth)
  • Marine Biology

Rigorous Courses

  • AP Research
  • Wellness Today (BIO 114 - UMass Dartmouth)
  • AP Biology
  • AP Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry

Industry-Recognized Credential Offerings

CPROSHA 10Sustainability CertificateGIS & Data Mapping Certificate
Healthcare and Social Assistance

The Healthcare and Social Assistance Innovation Pathway is designed for students interested in careers in nursing, medical technology, social work, public health, and related fields. Students participate in rigorous academic coursework and hands-on learning experiences while gaining real-world experience through industry partnerships and internships.

Sample Program Timeline

  • Year 1 (typically 10th grade): Anatomy and Physiology or Chemistry
  • Year 2: BIO 114 and ENL 101 (UMass Dartmouth)
  • Year 3: Quantitative Reasoning and Pathway PLAN

Multiple entry points are available for eligible students in grades 10-12 who can complete the program requirements before graduation. Pathway PLAN is the program's equivalent of a capstone project: students Propose the investigation, Launch the experimentation, Assess the data, and Network the results.

Technical Courses

  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Chemistry
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • Critical Writing & Reading I (ENL 101 - UMass Dartmouth)

Rigorous Courses

  • AP Research
  • Wellness Today (BIO 114 - UMass Dartmouth)
  • AP Biology
  • AP Chemistry

Industry-Recognized Credential Offerings

CPRBasic Life SupportOSHA 10LifeguardingBabysittingCNAPHCAST (Personal and Home Care Aide State Training)
Electricity (CTE Partnership with GNBVT)

Fairhaven High School and Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School (GNBVT) partner to offer the After Dark Electricity Program, a Chapter 74 vocational program that combines FHS students' academic foundation with hands-on technical training at GNBVT's facilities.

Program Highlights

  • Explore a career in the electrical trade through hands-on, industry-aligned training
  • Attend Fairhaven High School during the day for academic courses, then GNBVT in the afternoon for technical instruction
  • Earn industry certifications and clock hours toward Massachusetts electrical licensure
  • Learn from DESE-licensed vocational instructors following the Chapter 74-approved Electricity Framework

Program Timeline

  • Junior Year: Electrical Technology Shop (commercial electrical systems & conduit bending) and Electrical Technical Mathematics
  • Senior Year: Electrical Technology Shop (Motor Control Lab), AC Theory & Equipment, and Analytical Mathematics

Open to any student entering 11th grade with an interest in the electrical field — no prerequisites required.

Industry-Recognized Credential Offerings

OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety150 Clock Hours Toward MA Electrical License900 Documented Hands-On Hours3M Fire Protection CertificationHilti Powder-Actuated Tool Certification

Career Pathways

Graduates are prepared for careers such as residential and commercial electrician, industrial electrician, electrical inspector, low-voltage technician, fire alarm installer, and licensed electrical contractor/business owner.

Have Questions?

For more information about the programs, application process, or available support services, please contact Ms. Marlene Sabeh, College and Career Coordinator, at [email protected].