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An academy is a special type of pathway that has an application process where students may be able to travel to another school for classes assuming they can provide their own transportation.
Yes, many CTE programs are affiliated with Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO’s). These provide students with opportunities to participate in many activities that develop career and personal skills.
Career & Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) are co-curricular groups that all students in Career and Technical Education programs have an opportunity to join. These groups provide an opportunity to students to develop and extend student learning. There are seven recognized CTSOs in N.C. - FBLA, FCCLA, FFA, DECA, HOSA, TSA and Skills USA.
You should contact your Career Development Coordinator. Each high school has a Career Development Coordinator (CDC). The CDC also works with their respective middle school.
Major Clarity is a comprehensive career readiness solution that helps districts and schools align student strengths and interests to postsecondary goals, improving student outcomes and connecting learning to life. Students will use Major Clarity to build a Career Plan as well as a Curriculum Plan to meet career goals.
Ask your CDC or it is in the UCPS program of studies that can be found online.
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Juniors typically have more flexibility in their schedule for the multiple courses in the academy and travel time for the schools. Many academies have prerequisite courses that you can complete at your home school.
Most academy applications are open to Juniors AND Seniors. Some Academies, however, may require you to be a rising junior to apply, due to the length of the program (EX: Cosmetology).
Click here and type Career Development Coordinator in the Title Box at the top of the page, then select your location and click Search.
You can only apply to Cosmetology while in the 10th grade to begin the program in 11th grade. This academy requires more hours than the others so it must be begun at the beginning of 11th grade only.
Information on Career Academies is located on the UCPS website under the Career Readiness Department. See your CDC for assistance. Please note: Parents cannot fill out an Academy Application for a student. Students must fill out the application and a copy will be sent to the parents via email for them to sign.
Any student wishing to register for CTE courses can do so. Registration numbers help determine what classes are offered at each school. Students wishing to register for an academy course must fill out an academy application. Academy Applications open in March for the following school year.
Before 2006, high schools offered courses in trades and other hands-on courses which were referred to as Vocational Courses. With the passing of the Carl D. Perkins Act of 2006, the name of the Federal Program that funds these classes was changed to Career and Technical Education or CTE. Today, CTE offers a wide-range of courses and pathways designed to help ALL students find their passion, whether it requires a high school diploma, a Certification, or a degree of some kind. CTE is a shining example of preparing ALL students to be Career AND College Ready across the US and North Carolina.
Click here and type Career Development Coordinator in the Title Box at the top of the page, then select your location and click Search.
Information on Career Academies is located on the UCPS website under the Career Readiness Department. Your child should see his/her CDC for assistance. Please note: Parents cannot fill out an Academy Application for students. Students must fill out the application and a copy will be sent to the parents via email for them to sign.
Discover your interests, unleash your talents, and soar into your future - start searching for your pathway today.