Career Pathways


Implementing effective career pathway programs is proven to engage students, prepare them to make informed postsecondary decisions, and support them in developing highly relevant academic and technical skills. But what are career pathways? This site is designed for those seeking greater clarity on exactly what career pathways entail, the components of an effective and sustainable pathways system, and early action steps to get started. 

What are pathways?

An academic component that prepares students to pursue college or university studies as well as two year and certification programs.
  • A foundation built on a common theme of learning (either a career or academic area of emphasis) over three to four years of high school.
  • Solid integration of approved CTE programs. Pathways are not limited to traditional CTE focus areas; they can emphasize other areas such as liberal arts, science, math, or fine and performing arts.
  • An emphasis on applying the knowledge of each theme and exploring careers and industries related to each theme.
  • Cross-curricular strategies to embed state adopted English and math standards throughout. They also bring more real-world applications into core academic classes.
  • A technology strategy to maximize delivery of content and connect to real-world applications. Opportunities for customization, if local program offerings do not meet the interests of some students.

Wider Scope

​NC3T defines a Pathways System as a ​coordinated collection of College-Career Pathways, connected with meaningful learning opportunities outside of the school walls and with substantive employer involvement. A successful system touches every student, helping them learn about career opportunities and participate in a pathway plan of study during their high school years.

Progress

Pathways Systems, often implemented as Career Academies, have been growing in thousands of high schools since the 1990s. These “schools within a school” help students prepare for college by engaging in a rigorous academic classes and career exploration classes and work-based learning
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Partnerships

Effective CTE and college/career pathways programs require strong and sustainable employer partnerships to inform instruction and help students make real-world connections. NC3T’s resources, workshops, and coaching can help.​

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