Developing and scaling high-quality systems of college and career pathways that help young people successfully transition through education into high-paying, high-demand careers requires strong leadership. This piece highlights key lessons about the structures and commitments that are necessary for effective leadership and governance from JFF’s work with the communities in the Great Lakes College and Career Pathways Partnership. These structures and commitments enable communities like those in GLCCPP to not only implement but sustain and scale college and career pathways that effectively prepare young people with the skills, credentials, and confidence to succeed in the evolving economy.