Career and Technical Education

Career & Technical Education (CTE) is a viable and exciting pathway to college and careers.

Made up of approximately 40 different programs of study, CTE is offered as a series of classes focused on high-demand industries. Courses incorporate rigorous classroom instruction, hands-on training, real work experience and extra student supports into a college-preparatory curriculum to prepare students for postsecondary success.

CTE is beneficial for all high school students because it not only provides a wide range of technical skills and chances to receive industry recognized certifications, but it also equips them with a solid foundation of academic knowledge and engages students in the curriculum through relevant applications of core subjects. Apply now.

CTE programs

CTE programs introduce students to a variety of careers, along with the requirements for entry (i.e., high school diploma, professional certification, college degree or more). College options are also presented, and in some cases, CTE coursework can be translated into college credit.

College and career exploration through internships, job shadows, college & career fairs, conferences and competitions is also part of the CTE approach.

CTE offers programs in 11 different industry areas:

Agriculture
Broadcast Technology and Digital Media
Business and Finance
Construction & Architecture
Culinary & Hospitality
Health Science
Human Services
Information Technology
Law and Public Safety
Manufacturing
Transportation

College and Career Academies

There are now 20 high schools throughout the district that house new College and Career Academies Opens in a new window icon. . Programs within these academies are all related to the 11 in-demand industry areas mentioned above. Most College and Career Academies have citywide boundaries which accept students by application. Some programs are also available as standalone programs at approximately 40 neighborhood schools.

In addition to College and Career Academies and standalone programs, CTE offers two citywide programs in the Health Science and Law & Public Safety clusters that are open to all CPS students who meet entrance requirements.

Apply now

The College & Career Academy application is completed as part of high school selection in 8th grade. Students may select up to 5 academies from citywide options listed on the application and will receive access to corresponding schools through a lottery process.

Or students may download and complete a hard-copy application:

The deadline to submit an application is January 10, 2011.

Completed applications should be sent to:

ATTN: CCA

Academic Enhancement

125 South Clark, 4th Floor

Chicago, IL 60603

In stand-alone programs no application is required for most CTE programs and students select their program of interest during 9th grade. Some schools that house standalone programs may have separate application requirements that must be met before enrolling in a CTE program.

Resources

For more information on CTE, visit Chooseyourfuture.org or call (773) 553-2108.

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