Watertown High School will launch three new Innovation Career Pathway (ICP) programs, joining a growing list of Massachusetts high schools offering specialized course offerings in high-demand careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

In May, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced plans to expand the Innovation Career Pathway program to 10 new high schools in Massachusetts, including Watertown. These pathways are designed to give students hands-on experience and specialized coursework focusing on different high-growth industries.

Watertown will offer 10 different Innovation Career Pathway programs across three different industry sectors: Clean Energy, Environmental and Life Sciences, and Healthcare and Social Assistance. Watertown was the only school district in Massachusetts to have programs approved in three sectors.

“Over the past six years, Watertown High transitioned from a traditional model to a comprehensive high school by expanding its educational offerings to include vocational/technical programs. ICP pathways offer our students another opportunity to tailor their high school experience to a career-focused area of interest. ICPs include two technical courses, two college-credit bearing courses, and a minimum 100-hour capstone/internship experience,” said Laura Alderson, Director of Career and Technical Education. 

Watertown High School currently offers three Chapter 74 career and technical education programs: engineering technology, medical assisting, and digital media communications. The district will expand its Chapter 74 offerings in the fall with the opening of an early childhood education program.

According to state officials, more than 303 Innovation Career Pathway programs will be offered at 130 high schools in Massachusetts in the 2026-2027 school year. In total, more than 8,500 students will be enrolled in one or more of these programs. 36 percent of eligible high schools in Massachusetts are now participating in the program.