Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Career and Technical Education (CTE) gives high school students, like you, the chance to get a head start on preparing for college and careers. In CTE programs you will learn how core school subjects like math, science and writing are used in real-life. As a CTE student you have the opportunity to participate in hands-on training in your chosen program and gain real world experience through job shadows and internships. Many programs offer you the opportunity to earn nationally recognized certifications which you can use to get a job to pay for college or as the start of your career!

What does CTE mean to you?

Options, Options, Options

CTE offer 46 different programs organized within 11 different industries. Your options range from Business and Finance to Health Sciences to Architecture – and those are just a few of your options. All CTE programs prepare you with a college-prep education as well as the real world skills that will allow you to graduate from high school with more than just a high school diploma.

Three years of training providing skills to succeed in fast-growing industries (career fields).

For most CTE programs, in addition to taking all the required CPS core courses, you will take 3 CTE courses.

• Sophomore year: Your first course in your program will be in your sophomore year. In this year you will get a basic understanding of the field you have chosen and lay a solid foundation for the more advanced courses you will take.
• Junior year: In your junior year, you will take the training level course in your program. In this course you will gain more advanced technical skills used in the field. You may participate in competitions, earn industry recognized certifications and attend a job shadow.
• Senior year: The last class you will take in your program is in your senior year. This class is meant to be an advanced training course that will build on all the knowledge and skills you have gained in the previous two years. During this course you will earn certifications, participate in scholarship competitions and hold an internship.




Participating in CTE

With all the different fields of study available within CTE, you are probably wondering ‘how can I sign up?’. The answer to that question depends on which program you are interested in and the grade you are currently in.

School-Based Programs

If you are in 7th or 8th grade and want to participate in a CTE program…
You should apply to a College and Career Academy. A College and Career Academy is a learning community within a high school that you can participate in during your 4 years in high school. This means that you will take classes with the same group of students throughout high school and focus on the program you choose to participate in. You must apply to an academy in 8th grade and be accepted.

If you are a freshman already in a high school…
If you are already in high school, you will need to talk to your counselor about what programs are available at your school.

Citywide Afterschool Programs

CTE offers a few citywide programs that are open to all students. These programs take place afterschool, but are still considered classes and can get you high school credits. To participate in these programs you apply in your sophomore year and classes start in your junior year. Each program has its own application and requirements.

CTE Program Matrix

With so many programs to choose from, we have created a matrix to help see where they are offered. (Click on the image below to see the full listing)