Career-focused experiential learning programs, sometimes called Career and Technical Education (CTE), provide students with opportunities to explore careers and gain marketable skills while still in high school.
Students in CTE programs apply the information they learn in core school subjects like math, science, and writing to real-life work situations to become career- and college-ready.
There are a variety of citywide and school-based pathways that help students gain hands-on experience and work toward fulfilling CPS' Learn.Plan.Succeed. graduation requirements.
Many CTE programs also offer the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications that can be used to gain full-time employment or jobs to help pay for college. To earn a certificate, students must demonstrate competency in a skill or a set of skills and pass an examination or have a certain amount and type of work experience or training.
CTE Pathways:
- 4.9.1-2 Agricultural Sciences
- 4.9.3-7 Architecture and Construction
- 4.9.8 Business
- 4.9.9 Culinary and Hospitality
- 4.9.10 Education and Training
- 4.9.11 Health Science
- 4.9.12 Information Technology
- 4.9.13 Law and Public Safety
- 4.9.14 Manufacturing and Pre-Engineering
- 4.9.15-16 Media and Communication Arts
- 4.9.17 Personal Care Services
- 4.9.18-21 Transportation