Non-technical summarythis planning grant will support the development of a collaborative 2+2+2 educational pathway in food science to strengthen workforce readiness and improve structured transfer…

Non-technical summarythis planning grant will support the development of a collaborative 2+2+2 educational pathway in food science to strengthen workforce readiness and improve structured transfer opportunities across massachusetts. Framingham state university (FSU) will convene a working group of secondary schools, community colleges, and industry partners to design a coordinated framework that aligns curriculum, dual enrollment opportunities, and transfer agreements into FSU's food science program.massachusetts has expanded access to community college through tuition-free initiatives, creating an opportunity to build clearer pathways into high-demand agricultural and food science careers. However, food science remains a specialized field with limited structured transfer routes, particularly for students beginning at high schools, technical schools, or two-year institutions. This project will identify existing strengths, address curricular misalignments, and develop a framework that supports timely progression into a four-year food science degree. All pathway activities, outreach efforts, and future participation will be open to all qualified students consistent with federal and state law. The project's primary focus is workforce development, institutional collaboration, and strengthening academic transitions into food science careers. The planning phase will result in a draft pathway framework, formalized partner commitments, and an evaluation strategy to measure awareness, transfer readiness, and workforce preparation outcomes.