This culminating course is for juniors and seniors who have earned two technical credits, one of which is a completer course, in one Career Pathway. The Advanced Studies course must augment the content of the completer course and prepare students for success in transitioning to postsecondary education and future careers. Students work under the guidance of a teacher with expertise in the content of the completer course in collaboration with community members, business representatives, and other school-based personnel. The four parts of the course include writing a research paper, producing a product, developing a portfolio, and delivering a presentation. Students demonstrate their abilities to use 21st century skills. Competitive events, community service, and leadership activities provide the opportunity to apply essential standards and workplace readiness skills through authentic experiences. 

Students who participate in apprenticeships or pre-apprenticeships through NC Apprenticeship and the North Carolina Department of Labor can also earn CTE credit while they earn hours and experience toward an adult apprenticeship leading to a completed journeyman certificate. 

Apprenticeship Definition:  A system of skilled occupational training that combines practical work experiences with related academic and technical instruction. 

A CTE Internship allows for additional development of career and technical competencies within a general career field. Internships allow students to observe and participate in daily operations, develop direct contact with job personnel, ask questions about particular careers, and perform certain job tasks. This activity is exploratory and allows the student to get hands-on experience in a number of related activities. The teacher, student, and the business community jointly plan the organization, implementation, and evaluation of an internship, regardless of whether it is an unpaid or paid internship. 

Internship Definition:  A work-based learning experience where a student participates in the daily operations of a work site under the direct supervision of a business mentor. Student must pass the pathway concentrator course and internship course for the internship to count as a career pathway major course.