Career & Technical Education (CTE)

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways offer students meaningful, hands-on learning that prepares them for life after high school. By exploring real careers and industries, students gain clarity about their interests while building practical skills that matter beyond the classroom.

CTE Pathways help students:

• Gain real-world experience through hands-on learning

• Explore careers early, helping students make informed future choices

• Earn early college credit, potentially reducing the cost of postsecondary education

• Build in-demand skills that prepare them for the job market

• Develop essential soft skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership

CTE Pathways are designed with flexibility in mind. Whether a student’s next step is college, technical training, or entering the workforce, pathways support multiple postsecondary goals.

St. Louis Park High School’s CTE programs are strengthened by a dedicated CTE Advisory Board, which brings together educators and industry professionals to ensure learning stays relevant, connected, and responsive to workforce needs.

Dive into the fast-paced world of healthcare. Gain knowledge and skills in medical terminology, patient care, anatomy, and health systems. Hands-on learning prepares students for careers such as nursing, medical assisting, or even advanced medical studies.

Sample careers

• Registered Nurse
• Medical Technician
• Physical Therapist

Career pathway courses

• Certified Nursing Assistant
• Introduction to Exercise Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Medical Terminology

Discover Health Science courses

Step into the dynamic field that equips students with technical and problem-solving skills needed for careers in software development, cybersecurity, data science, and IT support. It blends classroom instruction with hands-on experiences in coding, networking, and emerging technologies.

Sample careers

• Software Developer
• Data Analyst
• Cybersecurity Specialist

Career pathway courses

• Introduction to Computer Science
• Video Game Design
• Computer Hardware & Cyber Security Fundamentals
• AP Computer Science

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Actively produce digital content by working on projects such as creating videos, designing graphics, writing articles, and managing social media accounts. Gain practical experience with industry-standard software and tools, honing skills in media creation and communication. 

Sample careers

• Graphic Designer
• Video Editor
• Social Media Manager

Career pathway courses

• Digital Artwork Design
• Digital Photo Editing
• Page Layout Design
• Photography
• Fundamentals of Graphic Design
• Journalism: Audio for Media

Discover Community Technology courses

Build. Brand. Succeed. The future in business starts here-preparing students for careers in business, finance, entrepreneurship, and marketing. Through a mix of classroom learning, hands-on projects, and industry experience, students develop essential business skills. This program provides a strong foundation for both career success and further education in business-related fields. 

Sample careers

• Entrepreneur
• Marketing Specialist
• Financial Analyst

Career pathway courses

• Advertising & Promotion (IB)
• Business Management
• Personal Financial Management
• School Store Operations I
• School Store Operations II
• Leadership Development
• Introduction to Accounting

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Engage in hands-on projects where students read blueprints, build models, and use industry tools and equipment. They will learn construction processes, materials, and safety protocols, preparing them for careers in building and designing structures. 

Sample careers

• Carpenter
• Electrician
• Construction Manager

Career pathway courses

• Construction Technologies
• Woodworking I
• Woodworking II

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Explore careers in teaching, counseling, and advocacy, including hands-on projects, teaching simulations, mentorship, and learning from local experts. Develop valuable skills in communication, leadership, and cultural awareness, preparing for further education.

Sample careers

• Teacher
• School Counselor
• Curriculum Specialist

Career pathway courses

• Introduction to Urban Education & Reflective Teaching
• Multicultural Education

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Solving real-world challenges, students will build robots, design structures using CAD (computer-aided design) software, and work on mechatronics systems. They will apply problem-solving, design, and technical skills in robotics, electronics, and engineering to create innovative solutions. 

Sample careers

• Mechanical Engineer
• Robotics Technician
• Manufacturing Specialist

Career pathway courses

• Level 1: Engineering Investigation
• Level 2: Engineering/Product Development
• Mechatronics

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Explore careers in law, government, public systems, and policy-making by learning how laws are created, how courts function, and how public policies impact communities. Gain insight into ethical issues and the wide range of careers in these fields through hands-on projects, real-world experiences, and guidance from guest speakers and industry advisors. 

Sample careers

• Lawyer
• Paralegal
• Public Policy Analyst

Career pathway courses

• Law and Public Policy
• Introduction to Criminal Justice

Discover Law and Public Policy courses