Career Technical Education

It's like getting a sneak peek into what working in those careers might be like before you even graduate high school. You can cook in a professional kitchen, write computer programs, learn how to care for patients or understand how buildings are designed and built. Plus, these programs often work with businesses and colleges so that you can meet professionals in the field you're interested in, get internships, or even earn college credits while still in high school. 

CTE or Career and Technical Education classes are a great option for any student! Here’s why they're awesome:

• Hands-On Learning: Unlike regular classes, where you sit and listen to the teacher talk all day, CTE classes let you get your hands dirty. You might build things, cook, design computers, or even work on cars. It's learning by doing, which can be way more fun and engaging.
• Explore Interests: What do you want to be when you grow up? No problem. CTE classes let you check out different fields like healthcare, engineering, business, and more. It's a chance to discover what you like (or don't like) before making big decisions about college or careers.
• Real-World Skills: The skills you learn in CTE classes aren't just for passing tests; they're skills you can use in real life. Whether it's fixing a computer, creating a marketing plan, or making a meal, people do these things in actual jobs. This means you’re getting a head start on becoming a pro at something useful.
• Jumpstart Your Career: Some CTE programs can lead to certifications or internships. This means you could graduate high school with a certificate that says you're qualified to start working in specific jobs immediately. Or, you might have the chance to work in a real company and gain experience, which looks fantastic on resumes.
• College and Beyond: If college is your post-secondary plan, CTE classes can help! They can give you a clearer idea of what you want to study or even let you earn college credits ahead of time. Most CTE courses are UC a-g approved, some give the opportunity to earn college credit through dual enrollment, or articulated with local community college. Plus, the skills and work habits you develop, like teamwork and problem-solving, are exactly what colleges and employers are looking for.

In short, CTE classes are great for students who want more hands-on learning, to explore different career paths, to gain real-world skills, and maybe even to get a head start on their careers. They make learning relevant to your future and can be fun too!

As a CTE student, you earn credits towards graduation that, just like any other course! Students can earn a variety of credits, depending on the pathway. Some of our CTE courses award VAPA or interdisciplinary science credits, some are AP courses, and some are dual enrolled, meaning you earn high school and community college credit at the same time. 

All CTE courses and pathways are included in Naviance and can be made part of your four year plan. Make sure you work with your school counselors to ensure you are on track for high school graduation and meeting the A-G requirements. 

CTE courses are scheduled as part of a pathway that typically includes an introductory, concentrator, and capstone course. 

1. Introductory course – an introduction to your pathway

2. Concentrator course – builds upon the introductory course scaffolding up to the capstone class

3. Capstone course – cumulative and builds upon the previous two courses. At completion, students are ready to enter into an entry-level job or be prepared for the next course at a post-secondary program/internship.

Students may also take specific courses at a campus other than their own as part of a single-year, multi-period capstone course. These offerings are subject to availability, and priorities are given to students who attend the school. 

Every comprehensive high school in San Juan Unified has at least two CTE pathways on their campus.

Some of our more hands-on learning programs are open to all 11th and 12th-grade students in the district. Space is subject to availability. Students attending the high school that hosts the program have priority placements. Students must have transportation and work with their high school counselor to ensure an off-site program fits their schedule.

Yes! There are former CTE students in our community who are teachers, nurses, dental assistants, lawyers, doctors, accountants, bakers, chefs, entrepreneurs, engineers, computer techs, mechanics, law enforcement officers, vet techs, etc.

San Juan Unified's CTE department surveys graduates annually to update their employment and educational status.

• Nearly all persons responding to the survey indicated that their training in the various CTE programs was good or excellent. 
• 90% of respondents also stated that their CTE training influenced their present work or educational pursuits.
• The unemployment rate of CTE graduates has consistently been less than half of the general population's rate for the same age group.

Work with your school counselor and include your interest in CTE in your four year plan in Naviance. 

Schedule of Meetings

2023-24 dates to be determined

Member Qualifications

Potential candidates should be outstanding leaders representing business, education, the local community, and government.  The qualities necessary for members are as follows:

• Advocacy - San Juan Unified School District’s CTE Advisory members are expected to be willing and enthusiastic advocates of the CTE vision for all students in the district.  Each member will seek every appropriate opportunity to promote the CTE system and its benefits within the community.  This could include making presentations to parent groups, service organizations, and chambers of commerce.
• Awareness - In order to be effective, a member must be aware of the connection between economic vitality and education and demonstrate a willingness to learn about related problems and solutions.
• Commitment - The member is dedicated to our CTE’s mission and believe that the function he/she performs is a worthwhile one which will ultimately produce results which justify his/her contribution of time, talent, and resources.  In addition, each member is expected to attend and participate in the scheduled Advisory board meetings.
• Leadership- Each member should be a leader in his/her own field and recognized by the community as such, one who can speak for their organization and can commit resources.
• Partnership Skills  - Each member should recognize and accept the need and obligation for partnership building and be able to connect activities that make a program effective.

CTE Non-Discrimination Statement (English)

College & Career Readiness, Career Technical Education Department

The San Juan Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability, or any other basis protected by law or regulation in its program or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups.

San Juan Unified School District offers career and technical education programs in Agriculture, Broadcast and Video Production, Building and Construction Trades, Business and Finance, Computer Science, Emergency Response, Engineering Design, Entrepreneurship, Health Science, Hospitality & Tourism, Information Technology, Public Safety, Performing Arts, Manufacturing, Cybersecurity, and Transportation under its open admissions policy.  For more information about CTE course offerings and admissions criteria, contact the CTE Director: Brett Wolfe, Director of College & Career Readiness, 7322 Sunrise Blvd., Citrus Heights, (916) 971-7762.

Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs.  The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies:

If you, or your student, have been subjected to discrimination, you should contact your school site principal and/or: Equity Compliance Officer, Fhanysha C. Gaddis, (916) 971-7110, LegalServices@sanjuan.edu; Title IX Coordinator, Katie Fabel, (916) 971-7110, TitleIX@sanjuan.edu; Section 504 Coordinator, Sandra Butorac, (916) 971-7220; ADA/Title II Coordinator, Michelle Fischer, (916) 971-7036.