Every study that we've seen has shown that work-based learning is good for kids. When kids have an experiential learning opportunity, they perform better on tests, in-class — all of those things.
Don't Wait until 10th Grade to Explore a Career or College Pathway
What are Pathways?
CTE Career Pathways offer a series of classes, beginning in 9th grade, that put students on a path toward specific hands-on experiences, certifications, Work-Based Learning and/or internships designed to meet industry standards toward preparing for a career and/or higher education.
Students who complete a Pathway are often ready to enter the workforce with specific certifications for a job that aligns with their interests and abilities. Students may save money on future courses, and, for some students, the Pathways prepare them to succeed in a traditional college setting.
Students can really know what they want to go into and have a high-wage, high-demand career; they just need to explore what is out there.
Jay Welk, CTE Director
Classes Lead to Careers: There are Many Pathways to Choose
Concurrent Enrollment (CE) classes prepare students for real world work or college
In Concurrent Enrollment (CE) classes, students earn both college and high school credit for the same high school course. These rigorous college-level courses may be taken during junior and senior year, and are a great way to experience real-world application and college level classes. For college-bound students, CE classes get students started on their college transcript while in high school. For students who do not intend to go to college, CE classes lead to credit at technical colleges and may lead to certifications. Concurrent Enrollment
Are CE classes only for students that want to go to college?
Concurrent Enrollment classes prepare students to transition smoothly to opportunities after high school whether it is for employment or their education at a college or trade school. CE classes such as Welding, Composites, Certified Nursing Assistant, and Automotive lead to lead to certifications, and are prerequisites to on-the-job training. In fact many students who wouldn't excel in an honors or AP course excel in a CE class. When students discover their passion, they often flourish in a more intense classroom situation because they are interest-driven to learn and engage.
What is the difference between CE and Advanced Placement (AP) Classes?
CE (Concurrent Enrollment) class college credit does not depend upon a final test score, but on the grades earned each semester in the class. AP classes are almost always taken with the intent to continue to college, while CE classes may lead to college, technical school or certification. AP (Advanced Placement) classes are rigorous and involve taking a test at the end of the year. Students will still receive high school credit even if they do not take the AP test. For these classes, make sure you sign up ahead of time for the CE Credit.
How can I be sure I receive college credit for my CE class?
Students may take the same CE course for college credit or to fulfill a general requirement or elective. In order to receive CE college credit, you must sign up in the class registration process. Some classes, such as, auto, business, health and computer science classes have a mixture of kids taking the class for CE credit and ones who take it as a general requirement. In these cases you need sign up a head of time to get the CE credit.
I can't find a class that interests me. Is there a list somewhere I can find more options?
Extensive list of classes and Pathways (three or more credits) available in the Davis County School District:
USBE CTE Pathways (Generally at local schools)
Utah State Board of Education (USBE) Pathways encourage students to earn college credit while in high school through advanced academic training. Students will save time and money, earning industry licenses and future college degrees more quickly.
Increase your chances to job opportunities and continued education that align with rewarding careers. Students will gain industry experience and graduate high school with a guaranteed job interview in a variety of fields including: Aerospace Manufacturing, Construction, Building and Design Trades, Diesel Mechanics, and Technology Sales.
Once students pick their interest, then they speak with a CTE coordinator who will explain pathway requirements, map out next steps towards earning stackable credentials and connect students with partnered employers. Students in these Pathways often start working in the industry right out of high school.
Catalyst Center (Off-Campus Courses, Busing Provided)
Catalyst CTE Magnet School in Kaysville: The Catalyst Center is the place where innovation, collaboration and education meet. Our CTE magnet school brings Davis School District students, local businesses, and industry mentors together. The Catalyst Center is part of the nationally recognized CAPS Network (Center for Advanced Professional Studies). CAPS students fast-forward to their future careers. Students are fully immersed in a professional culture where they develop critical thinking and problem solving skills by working in collaborative groups to complete real-world projects while being mentored by industry partners.
Davis Technology College Classes (off-campus, Transportation not provided)
Davis Technology College (DTC) offers programs to high school students to get a head-start on their higher education. No tuition for high school students; only the cost of classroom materials is required. Up to 30 credits may be transferred toward AA, AAS or BS college degrees.
Work-Based Learning Internship Program (Workplace Locations)
Work-Based Learning:- Internship Course Work-Based Learning experiences allow students to see how classroom instruction connects to the world of work and future career opportunities. Experiences include, but are not limited to apprenticeships, career fairs, field trips, guest speakers, job shadows, and student internships.
