PowerSchool adds work-based learning and AI tools to Naviance for 2025–2026 school year

The redesigned college, career, and life readiness platform introduces real-world learning opportunities and streamlined counselor support.

PowerSchool has announced several updates to its Naviance College, Career & Life Readiness platform ahead of the 2025–2026 school year. The new release introduces integrated work-based learning features alongside enhanced artificial intelligence tools designed to help students plan for college and careers while reportedly reducing administrative burdens for school counselors.

The updated platform will provide students with a secure environment to explore internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, volunteering, and industry visits. Schools will be able to connect directly with vetted employer partners, allowing those partners to post and manage opportunities within the Naviance system. Participation data, including hours worked and student engagement, can be tracked in real time, while integrated reporting tools will help districts meet state compliance requirements.

Shivani Stumpf, chief product and innovation officer at PowerSchool, says the changes are intended to bridge the gap between classroom learning and future career readiness. “Naviance defined College, Career, and Life Readiness two decades ago, setting the standard for student preparedness. Today, we're reimagining that standard to directly address the urgent need for work-based learning and future-ready citizens,” Stumpf says.

“This powerful evolution of Naviance bridges the gap between classroom and career, embedding work-based learning, personalized pathways, and smart automation into the heart of the student journey. We're equipping educators to lead with insight and giving every student, whether headed to college, a career, or both, the tools to thrive.”

AI tools to support students and counselors

Alongside work-based learning, PowerSchool has introduced several AI-driven updates. PowerBuddy, an AI assistant first launched last year, will now help students identify relevant opportunities, connect with scholarship matches, and discover college events. Counselors will also have access to an upgraded version of PowerBuddy that provides step-by-step workflows, streamlined access to reports, and faster ways to manage communications with students.

Additional tools will give students expanded options for exploring college and career pathways. A redesigned college search feature will allow side-by-side comparisons, access to real-time admissions data, and the ability to download unofficial transcripts or request external recommendation letters. For counselors and teachers, a new AI-driven recommendation tool will draft personalized letters that can then be approved and customized.

The platform also supports career exploration with updated profiles, student assessment insights, and video interviews with professionals. Information on more than 60,000 credential and certificate programs will be available.

The updates will be available to schools in time for the back-to-school season for 2025–2026.