The plan will allow workers to turn real-world experience into college credit. (photo courtesy of the office of Gov. Gavin Newsom)

Gov. Gavin Newsom on April 2 unveiled the Master Plan for Career Education to strengthen career pathways, prioritize hands-on learning and real-life skills, and advance educational access and affordability. In a meeting at Modesto Junior College, Newsom received the master plan, which provides a framework to respond to the complex challenges facing California’s labor market and education landscape and prepare all learners for the ever-changing workforce.

The plan, supported by proposed budget investments, will make it easier for Californians to receive college credit for their real-world experience – including veterans.

With strategic input from agencies and community members, two central themes emerged to guide the creation of the master plan: enhance coordination and address structural barriers that make it difficult for Californians to navigate education, workforce training and public benefit systems.

To help Californians better showcase their skills, the state will launch Career Passports – a digital tool that combines academic records with verified experience from work, military service and training programs.

The plan also invests in expanding credit for prior learning, allowing veterans and working Californians to turn real-world experience into college credit. The statewide push is expected to benefit 250,000 people – including 30,000 veterans – and generate billions in long-term economic gains by speeding up the time required to earn a degree and cutting costs.

For information, visit gov. ca.gov/wp-content/uploads /2025/04/2025-CA-Master-Plan-for-Career-Education.pdf.