At Cottonwood, we understand that some families prefer an educational program that is focused on career and technical education (CTE). CTE pathways are geared toward teaching specific career skills to high school students. CTE courses prepare students for the world of work, while also addressing a holistic educational approach.
Upon successful completion of a CTE Pathway, students will receive a certificate from TCS. While CTE is career-focused education preparing students for the world of work, completion of a pathway helps prepare students for college as well and is a valuable addition to one’s application.
Our internal CTE program is a carefully crafted program created by industry professionals. Our program offers hands-on career-focused projects to help our students develop career-relevant, real-world skills. We also realize the importance of learning about diversity, cultural awareness, and social-emotional learning to aid students in their future success, and these areas are incorporated in our CTE program!
TCS offers the following CTE courses for the fall of 2022
Industry Sector: Agriculture and Natural Resources
Pathway – Agriscience
The Agriscience pathway, in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Industry Sector, helps students acquire a broad understanding of a variety of agricultural areas, develop an awareness of the many career opportunities in agriculture, participate in occupationally relevant experiences, and work cooperatively with a group to develop and expand leadership abilities. Students will study California agriculture, agricultural business, agricultural technologies, natural resources, and animal, plant, and soil science.
Industry Sector: Business and Finance
Pathway Managing Business
In the Business Management pathway of the Business and Finance Industry Sector, students learn entrepreneurship and business fundamentals, goal setting, resource allocation, organizational structure and management techniques, economics, financial data, risk management, information technology, and supply chain management. Business Management consists of planning, leading, and controlling an organization or effort to accomplish a goal.
Industry Sector: Health Science and Medical Technology
Pathway: Health Care Administrative Services
The Health Care Administrative Services Pathway in the Health Science and Medical Technology Industry Sector includes workers that are site administrators, managers, attorneys, receptionists, secretaries, billing and coding specialists, health informatics technicians, accountants, managers, and other knowledge workers that support the process of patient care. Health care administrative workers are the invisible backbone of health care; without appropriately skilled workers in these fields, health care systems simply could not function.
Industry Sector: Child Development, Education, and Family Services
Pathway: Family and Human Services
The Family and Human Services Pathway is part of the Child Development, Education, and Family Services Industry Sector. Employment growth in the Family and Human Services pathway will likely be driven by increasing demand for family assistance. Students learn employment and management skills, such as positive guidance, professional behavior and standards, and laws and regulations related to the field. Students also learn about nutrition, health, aging, and safety.
Industry Sector: Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation
Pathway: Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation
Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation is a Pathway in the the Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation Industry Sector that integrates various facets of the hospitality industry: lodging, travel, and tourism; event planning; theme parks, attractions, and exhibitions; and recreation. Students engaged in this pathway have broad experiences related to the specific industry segments, including: industry awareness; organizational management; customer service; sales and marketing; facilities management; lodging; travel destinations; and reservations, ticketing, and itineraries.
TCS CTE Program Specifics
- 5 Industry Sectors (with 1 pathway each) offered
- 1 year, 20 credit program with a certificate from TCS upon successful completion (10 credits per semester)
- $600 for the year ($300 taken out at each fund drop) or FREE if registering for 4 R.I.S.E courses
- 2 synchronous Power Hours each week online with CTE Credentialed Teacher
– Discovery and Application - Project-based curriculum created by industry professionals
- Individualized projects based on student’s interests with coaching provided
- Support through office hours, email, 1:1 appointments
- Interaction with industry professionals
- Field trips, speakers
*Options may be available for Industry Certification
Possibility of additional year(s) that would focus on Internship, Mentorship, Work-Study, and/or Concurrent/Dual enrollment with a Community College
If you’re interested in completing a CTE pathway:
1. Determine which sector interests you the most or is most relevant to your future goals.
2. Contact our CTE and Career Readiness Specialist Kimra Balliet (kimra.balliet@cottonwoodk12.org)for more information or to register for courses.
