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States and districts use career pathways in a variety of ways, in a variety of settings, and under vastly different circumstances to give young people access to meaningful careers and stable lives. In this report, the authors conducted case studies of career pathways initiatives in Texas, Ohio, and Colorado to better understand the triumphs and challenges inherent in creating and operating career pathways programs amid a rapidly changing policy context. Through research and interviews with education stakeholders, the authors gathered meaningful insight into how legislators, policymakers, and program operators build high-quality programs and overcome barriers. The report examines the implementation of career pathways programs in these states to surface themes about the factors that support and hinder implementation, and to identify recommendations for state policymakers interested in supporting these programs. The recommendations include policy changes and practical administrative retooling that will have the greatest impact on improving pathways programs in these states and across the country.