At San Diego Unified, our College, Career, and Technical Education (CCTE) programs empower all students with real-world skills, immersive hands-on learning, and industry-aligned opportunities that help them thrive in college, career, and beyond. Through a wide range of career pathways such as health science, engineering, digital media, business, and the arts, students gain valuable experience that connects classroom learning to the real world. CCTE courses support students in exploring their interests, building confidence, and preparing for life after high school.
San Diego Unified currently offers 188 CTE courses across 29 career pathways in 13 industry sectors. In addition, students have access to 80 college courses through our College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) and Advanced College Placement (ACP) programs, expanding opportunities to earn college credit while still in high school.
We believe every student deserves access to meaningful learning opportunities that open doors to postsecondary education, high-wage careers, and lifelong success. Our department proudly serves the diverse students and families of San Diego Unified, and we are committed to preparing the next generation of leaders, creators, and problem-solvers.
CCTE Vision Statement
"Empowering all students with real-world skills, immersive hands-on learning, and industry-aligned opportunities to thrive in college, career, and beyond."
CCTE Mission Statement
"We support our vision of creating innovative career pathways by providing hands-on, project-based learning experiences that align with workforce demands. Through strong industry partnerships, relevant and rigorous curriculum, meaningful professional development, and beneficial technical training, we prepare students for success in college, career, and life."
San Diego Unified’s 2025 Project-Based Learning (PBL) Institute is currently taking place from June 3rd through June 13 at De Portola Middle School. This two-week professional development experience brings together teacher teams from across the district, including educators from elementary, middle, and high schools. Participants represent all academic areas, including College, Career, and Technical Education (CCTE) teachers. Together, they are designing interdisciplinary projects and learning experiences that will be introduced to students during the 2025–26 school year.
Co-facilitated by the Office of College, Career, and Technical Education and the Community Schools team, the PBL Institute emphasizes student-centered, inquiry-based learning that connects academic content to real-world problems. Students who engage in Project-Based Learning develop critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills while building deeper understanding through hands-on, meaningful work. The projects being designed during this institute reflect the district’s commitment to equity, engagement, and preparing every student for success in college, career, and life.
We are currently in our second week of project design and look forward to an exciting Project Pitch session this Friday, June 13, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. in Weiner Hall at De Portola Middle School!!
What an unforgettable afternoon at the 2025 CCTE Innovation Showcase! This year’s event was a vibrant celebration of student innovation, creativity, and collaboration. Held annually, the Showcase brings together students, educators, industry leaders, and community partners to honor the incredible work taking place across San Diego Unified’s College, Career, and Technical Education pathways. From cutting-edge CTE projects to interdisciplinary PBL experiences and powerful Community Schools initiatives, the event was a testament to the impact of real-world learning on student engagement and achievement.
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