In its first Career and Technical Education (CTE) playbook, "Putting Career and Technical Education to Work for Students" (see ED609912), ExcelinEd examined the need and rationale for strengthening statewide CTE programs and provided a process that state policymakers can undertake to do just that. Serious efforts to develop and strengthen career pathways for secondary students share a common challenge: developing cross-sector partnerships among K-12 education, business and industry organizations and postsecondary institutions. These partnerships are vital to ensuring that secondary CTE pathways are closely aligned to labor market demand, feature experiential learning opportunities such as internships and provide a seamless transition to a postsecondary credential. This second CTE playbook examines the role and key elements of robust cross-sector partnerships and explores the ways policymakers can promote and support them to strengthen CTE program outcomes for students. Also featured are examples of state and regional partnerships--including insights from experienced leaders about the opportunities and challenges associated with this important work.