Academy of Careers and Exploration
Career Technical Education
Preparing every student for success beyond high school, whether that path leads to a four-year university, the military, the workforce, or further technical training.
Watch the Film: The Pathway Three minutes. Sound on.
UC A-G Approved Courses Industry-Certified Programs of Excellence
Our Educational Model
What Is CTE?
At the Academy of Careers and Exploration, Career Technical Education (CTE) is more than just a class. It is an educational model designed to prepare students for success in the real world. Our CTE programs align high school and post-secondary education with the demands of the modern labor market.
Through CTE, students gain the technical, academic, and employability skills they need to thrive in any path they choose. Whether a student plans to attend a four-year university, join the military, enter the workforce, or pursue further technical training, CTE prepares them for life after high school.
Pathway courses are UC A-G approved, seamlessly connecting high school, college, and future careers.
CTE Pathway courses are Industry-Certified National Programs of Excellence.
Building a Sequence
What Is a CTE Pathway?
A CTE Pathway is a sequence of two or more courses focused on a student’s career interest. These pathways are thoughtfully designed to create a strong connection between high school classes and a student’s future college, industry certifications, or career.
By completing a CTE pathway, students earn valuable evidence of their college and career readiness, as measured by the state’s College/Career Indicators.
Explore Your Future
Our Pathways
Career Sector
Health Science and Medical Technology
Health Science and Medical Technology
What Is It?
The health science and medical technology field focuses on the application of scientific and technological knowledge to improve health care and medical practices. It encompasses a wide range of professions dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses, as well as supporting the overall well-being of individuals. The goal is to improve patient outcomes and contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge.
What Will I Do?
Students engage in hands-on activities to learn about anatomy, medical terminology, and patient care practices, while also developing skills in using medical equipment and technology. Students may practice taking vital signs, performing basic diagnostic tests, and understanding healthcare ethics and safety procedures. They also explore topics such as disease prevention, treatment methods, and healthcare systems.
Leads to These Careers
- Physician
- Surgeon
- Pharmacist
- Nurse Practitioner
- Registered Nurse
- Nursing Assistant
- Medical Assistant
- Radiology Technician
- Paramedic
- And More
Sports Medicine
What Is It?
The sports medicine field focuses on preventing, diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating injuries related to physical activity and sports. Sports medicine encompasses a variety of areas, including injury management, physical therapy, rehabilitation, nutrition, and fitness. Professionals in this field work to help individuals recover from injuries, improve their physical performance, and prevent future injuries.
What Will I Do?
Students will gain hands-on experience in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports-related injuries. They will learn about anatomy, injury assessment, first aid, and rehabilitation techniques, as well as how to use medical equipment and apply athletic training practices. Students will practice techniques such as taping, stretching, and strengthening exercises. They may also gain experience through internships, working with the site Athletic Trainer and athletes.
Leads to These Careers
- Orthopedic Surgeon
- Sports Chiropractor
- Physical Therapist
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Athletic Trainer
- Exercise Physiologist
- Sports Nutritionist
- Coach
- And More
Career Sector
Public Service
Criminal Justice
What Is It?
The Criminal Justice pathway offers an in-depth exploration of the systems and practices dedicated to maintaining public safety and upholding the law. Students in this program will gain a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system, from the initial stages of crime prevention and investigation to the complexities of the court system and the corrections process.
Core Areas of Study
Through a combination of theoretical coursework and hands-on practical experience, students will explore the following core areas:
- Law Enforcement Operations: Learn about the roles and responsibilities of police officers, including patrol procedures, community policing strategies, and the ethical considerations inherent in modern law enforcement.
- Forensic Science and Crime Scene Investigation: Discover the scientific techniques used to solve crimes. Students will practice evidence collection, fingerprint analysis, and the proper documentation of a crime scene, gaining insight into how physical evidence is used in a court of law.
- The Legal and Court System: Explore the structure of the U.S. court system, the roles of prosecutors and defense attorneys, and the judicial processes that ensure fair trials and the protection of individual rights.
- Corrections and Rehabilitation: Understand the purpose and function of the corrections system, including the management of correctional facilities, the role of probation and parole officers, and the various approaches to offender rehabilitation.
Leads to These Careers
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Chief Security Officer
- Correctional Officer
- Crime Scene Investigator
- Dispatcher
- Forensic Scientist
- Health and Safety Specialist
- Security Guard
- And More
Public Safety
What Is It?
Public Safety offers students an in-depth introduction to careers that protect and serve the community, such as law enforcement, firefighting, EMS, and other public safety professions. Students in this pathway learn essential skills related to crime prevention, emergency medical care, firefighting techniques, and disaster response. They also gain knowledge about the legal system, safety protocols, first aid, CPR, and how to manage high-risk situations.
What Will I Do?
Students gain hands-on experience in law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services, and other public safety fields. They learn emergency response skills, first aid, CPR, safety protocols, and crime prevention techniques. Students also develop teamwork, leadership, and decision-making abilities through physical training and real-world simulations, preparing them for entry-level positions or further education in public safety careers.
Leads to These Careers
- Inspector
- Firefighter/Paramedic
- Police Officer
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
- Security Guard
- Dispatcher
- Firefighter Engineer
- Airport Firefighter
- Fire/Arson Investigator
- And More
Expert Instruction
Who Am I Learning From?
Career Technical Education (CTE) teachers bring real-world industry experience into the classroom to help students gain the academic foundation and hands-on skills to graduate high school college and career ready. CTE instructors hold a specialized CTE teaching credential and connect students to future careers through industry-based projects, certifications, and college and career readiness training.
Earning Recognition
How to Become a Pathway Completer
To be considered a Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathway completer, students must complete a concentrator and a capstone CTE course (two years) within the same pathway. Students must earn a D or higher in the concentrator course and a minimum of a C or higher in the capstone course.
Students will receive a tassel to wear at graduation for each pathway completed.
Beyond the Classroom
Career and Technical Student Organizations
The purpose of Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) such as SkillsUSA, HOSA, Engage, and Public Safety Cadets is to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world success. These organizations provide a unique platform where students can apply their technical skills, develop essential leadership qualities, and build a professional network before they even graduate. Through hands-on competitions, community service, and industry-focused activities, CTSOs empower students to become adaptable, confident, and career-ready professionals.
Engage
Service. Leadership. Citizenship.
HOSA
Learn. Lead. Serve. Innovate.
SkillsUSA
Career Ready. Life Ready.
NHSSMA
Study to Heal.
Common CTSO Activities
- Competitive Events: Students compete in events tailored to their career pathways, such as crime scene investigation for Public Safety Cadets, biomedical debate for HOSA, or welding for SkillsUSA.
- Leadership Conferences: These events offer workshops on public speaking, team building, and organizational management, often featuring keynote speakers from various industries.
- Community Service: Chapters often organize local service projects, such as blood drives, safety demonstrations, or health fairs, allowing students to give back while practicing their skills.
Key Benefits of Participation
- Leadership Development: Students learn to lead by taking on officer roles, managing projects, and speaking publicly, which builds the confidence needed for their future careers.
- Real-World Application: CTSOs allow students to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it to practical, industry-standard scenarios and competitions.
- Professional Networking: Students connect with industry professionals, mentors, and peers who share their career interests, opening doors for future internships and employment.
- Personal Growth: Through teamwork and community service, students develop essential soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and empathy.
Students can participate in a wide variety of activities designed to build their skills and professional networks. These include hands-on competitive events that test their technical knowledge, leadership development workshops, and community service projects. Additionally, students have the opportunity to attend regional and national conferences, where they can network with industry professionals and peers from across the country.
Honor Societies NTHS NHSSM
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
Student Leadership
The LEAD Class
Welcome to the Leadership Exploration and Development (LEAD) class. This course is designed to cultivate the leadership potential of students through a structured and engaging curriculum. Students will explore key leadership principles, develop effective communication skills, learn how to lead teams, solve problems, and serve their communities. The course emphasizes ethical leadership, goal setting, and the development of a personal leadership style through reflection and action. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in SkillsUSA, HOSA, Engage, and the National Technical Sports Medicine Association leadership events and competitions, further enhancing their real-world leadership experience.
This course encourages students to dream big, lead themselves well, and add value to others while navigating our complex culture. Our focus will be on individual personal growth, challenging students to close the gap between who they are and who they want to be. Students will explore timeless principles necessary for true leadership and discover what inspires people to lead lives of significance. With the use of books, guest speakers, and videos to support students’ character development, the class will be heavy on discussion, reflection, and in-class activities. In short, the LEAD class will be fun, informative, and personally relevant. Students will be challenged to explore their WHY, constantly reflect, and immediately apply what they learn to their daily lives.
Personal Growth
Focuses on self-discovery and closing the gap between current habits and future goals.
Interactive Learning
Heavy emphasis on in-class discussions, reflection, and hands-on activities rather than traditional lectures.
Real-World Application
Students are challenged to immediately apply timeless leadership principles to their daily lives.
Diverse Resources
Utilizes a mix of books, guest speakers, and videos to support character development.
Stay Connected
CTE Program Calendar
Next Steps
Interested in a CTE Pathway?
If you are interested in pursuing a career in health science and medical technology, sports medicine, criminal justice, or public safety, talk to your high school counselor or teachers about what classes to take.
Academy of Careers and Exploration
13943 River’s Edge Rd.
Helendale, CA 92342
Helendale, CA 92342
Academy of Careers and Exploration · Helendale School District