High School FAQs

What is Career Technical Education?

Career Technical Education (CTE) is a program of study that involves a multiyear sequence of courses that integrate core academic knowledge with technical and occupational knowledge to provide students with a pathway to post-secondary education and careers. This program of study is commonly referred to as a CTE pathway, and all courses must be taken in high school in order to receive academic credits.

What are Career Technical Education Pathways?

CTE pathways are classes organized into specific industry sectors that allow students to experience real world, hands-on learning in high-demand career fields. CTE pathways enable students to thrive in independent and collaborative work environments while helping them develop the personal and professional competencies they will need to be successful in their post-secondary education and future career.

What are the Benefits of participating in a Career Technical Education Pathway?

  • Receive special recognition for completing a pathway at graduation and on your transcript

  • UC-approved courses

  • Earn college credits for specific classes

  • Earn industry certifications

  • No cost to join the program

  • Start taking classes as early as freshman year

  • You can work with your counselor and pathway lead teacher to map out a pathway to postsecondary education that suits your interests and professional goals

The minimum number of courses required to complete a pathway varies by sector but ranges between 2-3 courses taken over multiple years. Some courses offer the opportunity to earn college credits with qualifying performance on an examination or course grade.

How do I earn pathway recognition?

Pathway recognition consists of receiving a special medal to wear during graduation and notation of the accomplishment on a student’s transcript that will strengthen college and job applications. To receive recognition for completing a pathway, one course from each of the following levels within a specific section must be taken in order: Introduction (if applicable), Concentrator and Capstone.

Students must also earn a grade of C- or better in those courses and complete all assigned career-related activities within those courses as assigned by the teacher. Career-related activities may include but are not limited to:

  • Attending guest speaker presentations

  • Creating a resume

  • Participating in class field trips

  • Doing career interviews and job shadows

  • Enrolling in an industry-related summer camp or program

  • Securing an Internships, Apprenticeships, or Other Type of Industry Work Experience

  • Participating Pathway Presentations for the Public or Approved Industry Community Service

  • Participating in Career Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) or Clubs

  • Completing a Post-Secondary Transition Plan

  • Participating in an Exit Interview with Academy


What classes are offered at Other Sites?

See the Tri-Valley Regional Occupational Program (TVROP) Course Catalogue for a complete list of all CTE pathways (academies) that are available for you to take outside of our district.