CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) program across the district encompasses a broad spectrum of pathways that prepare students for college, industry training, and direct workforce entry. These pathways are hands-on, project-based, and closely aligned with industry standards, requiring highly specialized spaces that differ substantially from general classrooms.

Across the district, pathways include:

• Arts, Media, Entertainment 
• Culinary / Hospitality, Tourism & Recreation 
• Engineering & Design 
• Education, Child Development and Family Services 
• Health Science & Medical Technology (Health Careers, Sports Medicine, EMT)
• Public Services (Fire Science, Criminal Justice, Law, future pathways)
• Automotive Technology
• Business / Marketing / Sales
• Information & Communication Technology (ICT) / Computer Science
• Middle School Career Exploration

Pathway titles will be changing slightly to align with National Career Clusters Framework https://careertech.org/career-clusters/

Within each of these program topics, there is a comprehensive schedule of accelerated and advanced placement courses supporting areas of focus from which students can enroll. Each focus area gives students the necessary skills to make a successful transition to work including certification credentials upon completion of the course of study; many CTE paths also prepare students for additional training upon graduating from high school. The requirements, course of study, and space needs are determined by the program area and requirements as defined by the accreditation agency for each program. 

Because CTE offerings shift as student interest, staffing, and industry needs evolve, Pathway Program classroom spaces are housed in one of three broad space types:

1. Low-Intensity CTE Spaces – tech-rich classrooms or labs
2. Medium-Intensity CTE Labs – single-height rooms with reinforced power, water, and ventilation
3. High-Intensity CTE Labs – double-height, industrial-grade shops requiring robust infrastructure

Each pathway fits into one of these categories, but all require:

• Substantial storage
• Technology integration
• Demonstration and supervision visibility
• Security systems and durable materials
• Proper adjacencies for function and collaboration