Build Your Dream Career Now! CTE Applications Open for Grades 8, 9, and 10

The moment to build a high-skill, high-demand, and high-wage future is here!

The application window for our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs is open for students in grades 8, 9, and 10.

PGCPS CTE programs offer students the unique opportunity to learn beyond the classroom setting to gain critical skills needed to succeed in the global workforce.

CTE programs are career and technical skill pathways that provide students with technical skills training, career-oriented exposure, and leading industry-credential opportunities to enhance a student’s employability and skillset. CTE programs focus on in-demand occupations across a variety of career fields.

Whether students are college-bound, planning to enter the job market directly, seeking specialized training, or preparing for entrepreneurship, CTE programs provide valuable opportunities for hands-on learning and the opportunity to prepare for entry into their dream career today.  

CTE programs provide real-world experience through internships, partnerships, and apprenticeships with local businesses enabling students to apply what they learn in both the classroom and real-world. Work-based learning opportunities are a critical component to the CTE program experience providing students with rich opportunities for career awareness, career exploration and career preparedness.  

By equipping students with industry-recognized credentials, CTE not only helps students transition smoothly into the workforce after graduation but can also empower them to pursue higher education or advanced training.

“Our CTE programs play a vital role in preparing students for successful careers in high-skill, high-wage, and high-demand jobs,” said Pamela Smith, Director, Department of Career and Technical Education. “CTE is a gateway to future opportunities, providing access to hands-on learning, industry-relevant skills, and essential credentials. Our focus on real-world education ensures that our students are well-prepared to meet the demands of today's ever-evolving job market, where the need for skilled professionals is growing rapidly.”

Why Choose PGCPS CTE?

Our mission is to empower students to confidently transition into postsecondary and career opportunities. PGCPS CTE programs are unique because they provide students with a significant head start:

• Real-World Application: Students learn how core academic subjects like math, science, and writing are used in professional, real-life settings.
• Hands-On Training: Programs offer rigorous, experiential learning that gives students technical knowledge and skills in their chosen field.
• Career Exposure: Students gain real-world experience through internships, job shadowing, on-the-job training, and industry-credential opportunities.
• College Preparation: CTE equips students with the technical and academic foundation necessary for success, whether they enter the workforce or matriculate to a university.
• CTE Programs Provide Steps Towards Financial Freedom: Not only do 93% of CTE students graduate from high school, but the program offers real benefits that can lead to financial freedom. CTE programs can potentially cut the cost of college in half. A CTE Associate degree increases earning potential by 45%.

Unlock Credentials and College Credit

As a CTE student, you can earn industry credentials and college credit before graduating high school.

• Industry Credentials: Many CTE programs offer the chance to earn nationally recognized credentials, which can lead to immediate employment or help you pay for college.
• Earn College Credits While In High School: Taking Dual Credit courses prepares  students to transition to college by earning college credits in high school, and helps students get ahead in their post-secondary education.

Expanding access to internships and dual-enrollment opportunities is a PGCPS Big Rock.The expansion of access connects students to careers and college, giving them a head start on their futures, reflecting Interim Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph’s commitment to providing a world-class learning experience to each and everyone of our scholars.

How to Build Your Dream Career

PGCPS offers 13 CTE clusters with 43 unique pathways. Whether your child plans to enter the workforce or attend college, CTE provides the foundational technical and academic skills to help students build their future career, today.

• Who Can Apply: Applications are currently being accepted from students in Grades 8, 9, and 10.
• Deadline: The application window closes December 12, 2025.

Visit pgcps.org/cte now to explore the dynamic program options and apply today!

Access the CTE Career Guide here, access the guide in Spanish here. 

Access the 2026-2027 CTE application in English, French and Spanish here.