Pathways FAQs

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OKCPS wants every student to walk across the graduation stage with a diploma and a plan for life! We are proud to offer a variety of career and advanced academic pathways designed to prepare students for a successful future.

General Graduation Requirements

What are the new graduation requirements for the Class of 2030 and beyond?

Starting with the class of 2030, students must complete 23 total units, including six pathway units, to graduate high school. For more information, please see the District's 2030 Graduation FAQs.

What is a “Career Pathway Unit”?

"Pathway unit" means a course taken by a high school student that is aligned with the student's current Individualized Career and Academic Plan (ICAP). Think of it this way, a student earns one unit for every full-year course they take. At OKCPS, students can earn 3.5 units per semester. Schools on a block schedule can earn 4 units per semester. OKCPS offers several career pathways a student can take depending on their high school’s specific course offerings.

What’s changing in math and science requirements?

Students must now complete 4 units or sets of competencies in math, 2 of which shall be Algebra I and either Algebra II or Geometry. The other 2 can be any math above the rigor of Algebra 1. Science options have expanded to include more applied and career-focused courses.

Why is Oklahoma now requiring students to choose a career pathway? How does this benefit OKCPS students and our city/state?

Under House Bill 3278, students will choose pathway courses aligned to ICAP. Oklahoma shifted away from a “one-size-fits-all” diploma. Instead, we are helping students connect to their career interests and ICAP so they can then choose a pathway made up of core subjects, electives, concurrent college courses or internships. Pathways are designed to give students hands-on, industry-aligned experiences, focusing on skill development that match Oklahoma’s workforce demands.
Oklahoma’s new pathway course requirement is about future readiness: ensuring that by 2030, every graduate leaves high school with not just a diploma, but a clear plan to be enrolled, employed or enlisted.

How is OKCPS supporting students through these changes to graduation requirements?

Teachers and counselors are guiding students through ICAP assessments and helping them align to possible career pathway options. The academic planning guide is also being updated aligning course offerings to meet the new state requirements. OKCPS’ College & Career Centers and other career-connected learning environments are also expanding to support career pathway engagement.

Individual Academic and Career Plan (ICAP)

What is ICAP and why is it required?

Each and every student is required to complete ICAP components to graduate from an Oklahoma high school. ICAP stands for Individual Career and Academic Plan. It is a state-mandated tool that helps students map out coursework, career goals, and plans after graduation. To learn more about ICAP and its components, please click here.

How do I track my student’s ICAP?

For middle and high school students using the OK Career Guide, your student can link you to their account in their profile and you can create a free account to learn more about the resources available to your child, review your child's progress, and discover how you can help. Watch this short tour of OK Career Guide to learn about ICAP and the career planning process and to see a few tools available to your student. Your student will send your Parent Access Code from their profile. Create an account to get started.

How does ICAP connect to OKCPS Career Pathways?

ICAP helps students identify their interests and select a career pathway. OKCPS uses ICAP data to ensure students are scheduled into courses that support their chosen career focus. To see the process of creating and using the parent portal watch the tutorial.

OKCPS Career Pathways

When will a student choose their career pathway?

Students typically make this choice in 8th grade - before entering high school - so their 9th-12th grade coursework can align with the career pathway they have selected.

What if a student changes their mind about which career pathway they want to follow?

Students can change their career pathway if their interests or career goals shift, however, students must complete the year with the pathway they have selected. The ICAP is designed to be a living document, updated every year with the help of counselors, parents, and staff. If a student changes their mind, they can adjust their career pathway to align with the new direction, ensuring the remaining courses fall within the new pathway area.

Will families be required to pay any out-of-pocket costs for a student to participate in a career pathway?

There is NO COST to families for students participating in pathway programming. However, students who wish to participate in Career & Technical Student Organizations such as FCCLA or SkillsUSA, may have optional costs.

What if a student is not interested in any of the career pathways that are available at the high school they are currently enrolled in?

OKCPS offers a broad range of career pathway options to expand opportunities for all students. They can select a pathway course aligned to their interest and keep doors open while students explore. If a student changes their mind, they can adjust their career pathway units to align with new interests as long as graduation requirements are met.

Choosing a career pathway isn’t about locking into one career forever - it’s about making sure every student graduates with a plan and experiences that prepare them for college, career, or military service. The system is designed to support exploration, not limit it.

Students may request a transfer to another school site to participate in a career pathway offered at that location, however district transportation will not be available for students who choose this option.

How will the OKCPS College & Career Pathways impact the existing Visual & Performing Arts (VPA) Majors in our high schools?

OKCPS College & Career Pathways are synonymous with the “majors” that students select when applying for and attending VPA programs. Students at Classen Middle School and Classen SAS High School at Northeast will follow the existing application process.

How do career pathways support my student’s future?

OKCPS Career Pathways help students:

Discover career interests early
Build professional skills and confidence
Connect with local employers and opportunities
Prepare for college, career, or both—with purpose and direction

OKCPS College & Career Centers

What are OKCPS College & Career Centers?

Previously known as “flex spaces,” OKCPS’ College & Career Centers are dynamic, career-connected learning environments within six of our high schools. They’re designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world experiences by offering hands-on opportunities, industry-aligned curriculum and tools, and collaborative workspaces. These exciting new spaces were made possible thanks to OKC Voters who supported the district’s historic 2022 school bond.

What is the purpose of College & Career Centers?

OKPCS College & Career Centers are designed to expand career pathways in transformative ways by:

Providing students with access to industry-grade equipment and technology
Encouraging collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving
Hosting career events, guest speakers, and internship preparation
Creating a space where students can explore future careers in a meaningful way

Which OKCPS high schools have College & Career Centers?

OKCPS College & Career Centers are being launched across six high schools in Oklahoma City Public Schools:

Capitol Hill High School
Douglass High School
John Marshall Enterprise High School
Northwest Classen High School
Star Spencer High School
U.S. Grant High School

Each space is tailored to the unique career pathways offered at that campus. To see your school’s offerings, click here.

How will these OKCPS College & Career Centers impact the existing career academies?

Career Academies, now called College & Career Pathways, will continue to serve students across Oklahoma City Public Schools, offering a wide range of high-quality, career-connected learning experiences. OKCPS College & Career Centers are designed to enhance these career pathways, not replace them.

What career pathways are offered in an OKCPS College & Career Center?

Below is a list of career pathways that are available across the district. However, the options for each College & Career Center will depend on that school site’s specific offerings. To see your school’s offerings, click here.

Advanced Manufacturing
Agriculture
Aviation
Biotechnology
Business & Entrepreneurship
Construction
Culinary & Hospitality
Cybersecurity
Computer Science - Game Design - Esports
Film & Media
Healthcare
Teacher Preparation

How can I enroll in a career pathway in the College & Career Center at my school?

Each high school offers unique career pathway options including those within the OKCPS College & Career Centers. Use your ICAP results to help you identify which career pathway would be the best fit. Then, to enroll in a College & Career Center pathway, speak to your counselor or principal.

How do OKCPS College & Career Centers benefit the community?

Pathways within the OKCPS College & Career Centers create a pipeline of skilled, prepared graduates ready to contribute to Oklahoma City’s workforce. They ensure that education is directly connected to community and economic development, strengthening partnerships between schools and local industries.

How can OKCPS families, community partners, businesses or community members get involved?

We welcome community partners and families to:

Serve as guest speakers or mentors
Participate in career events
Support internship opportunities
Use the lecture hall in the OKCPS College & Career Centers for community meetings and activities
Help shape the future of workforce development in our schools

Who can I contact for more information?

Speak to your school counselor or principal, career academy coordinator or OKCPS College & Career Center workforce development coordinator on your campus. You can also reach out to Kate Haydon at the district’s Workforce Development Office at 405-587-0222 or mkhaydon@okcps.org, for more details or to get involved.

¿A quién puedo contactar para más información?

Hable con el consejero escolar o el director de su escuela, el coordinador de la academia vocacional o el coordinador de desarrollo profesional de su Centro de Preparación Universitaria y Profesional. También puede comunicarse con Kate Haydon de la Oficina de Desarrollo Profesional del distrito al 405-587-0222 o escribiendo a mkhaydon@okcps.org para obtener más detalles o para participar.

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