Why CTE?

Career Technical Education (CTE) in the Poway Unified School District focuses on the changing workplace that demands high levels of academic and applied knowledge and skill. Mt. Carmel High School supports the PUSD belief that students must be career-ready upon graduating from high school. Career Readiness encompasses academic skills plus additional preparation in areas such as collaboration, communication, creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking, among others. It also requires application of knowledge and the development of technical skills. Career Technical Education serves as a vehicle for the development of essential skills and the application of learned concepts to the world outside of the classroom walls.

What does it mean to complete a pathway?

In order to become a pathway completer, a student must complete 20 credits in both a “concentrator” and “capstone” course OR two capstone courses in the same pathway. Students who achieve CTE Pathway Completion will receive a certificate, a notation on their transcript that goes to colleges and universities, and a special diploma seal for each pathway they complete. Students can complete as many pathways as they are able to fit in their high school career schedules. Many MC graduates have completed two, three or four pathways while in high school. In our school trimester system, students have more ability than on a semester system to take a variety of elective course during their four years in high school. The number of students completing CTE Pathways is calculated into the school College/Career Indicator CCI measurement in California.

Is Work-Based Learning part of the CTE experience?

Yes, it is! Teachers arrange guest speakers, field trips and other experiences for students to give them exposure to careers. The MCHS Counseling Department helps arrange guest speakers, CTE college and career meet and greet experiences for MCHS career paths and other career paths.

Students can take Work Experience and Internship courses on the MCHS campus to gain experience in the world of work also.

Can I take a course in a pathway without committing to the whole pathway?
The pathway courses are also open to all students who are interested in taking elective courses in these areas. Students are not required to take all courses in the pathway.

Can students from other campuses in PUSD take MCHS pathway courses?

Students from other Poway Unified school sites are welcome to take courses in our Fire Science and Automotive Technology programs also. Mt. Carmel is the only high school that hosts a Fire Science program within our school district. Also, we have the only high school Automotive center in Poway Unified on the west side of Interstate 15 within PUSD.

Which standards are taught in CTE Pathway courses?
Mt. Carmel and Poway Unified offer pathways outlined by the California Department of Education CTE Model Curriculum Standards.
See below for specific information about each MCHS pathway!