The Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) prepares students for success in college, careers, and life. As industries, technologies, and global markets rapidly evolve, we know we must equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to enter the changing workplace, pursue post-secondary opportunities, find their passions, and thrive.
Our schools must prepare students for their futures, and our Career Technical Education (CTE) programs provide middle and high school students with real-world, hands-on learning and career exploration experiences. CTE courses promote collaboration, leadership, creativity, and problem-solving—skills that are invaluable across all industries and identified as priorities by industry leaders.
IUSD’s CTE pathways span a wide range of industries, and our middle and high schools offer a unique selection of courses in high-demand sectors. Our pathways include:
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Healthcare
- Culinary Arts
- Digital and Visual Media
- Automotive Repair and Maintenance
- Construction Technology
- Film and Video
- Hospitality and Management
- And more!
These career pathways align with the fastest-growing occupations and industries in the region. According to recent labor market data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, fields such as Information Technology, Healthcare, and Engineering are expected to see significant growth in the coming years. Creative industries, particularly digital media and film, are also seeing rapid growth fueling the need for expanding the pathways in these fields.
By providing varied opportunities, IUSD is helping prepare students for a successful transition to the workforce and higher education. Whether pursuing a career or post-secondary study, the professional skills developed through these pathways can serve as a foundation for success.
Building Connections with Industry Leaders
IUSD’s CTE programs have forged strong partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and industry leaders, such as UCI Health, CEO Leadership Alliance OC, Edwards Lifesciences, and more. These partnerships enrich students' learning by offering work-based experiences through internships and other learning opportunities.
For high school juniors interested in internships, IUSD’s collaboration with the CEO Leadership Alliance OC offers valuable opportunities to gain hands-on experience.
Coastline Regional Occupational Program (ROP)
IUSD also works with Coastline Regional Occupational Program (ROP), an outstanding provider of CTE courses that prepare students for a variety of careers and post-secondary educational opportunities. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Coastline ROP offers courses that augment those offered by IUSD and are taught by industry-experienced credentialed educators.
As your student begins planning their middle and high school course of study for the 2025-26 school year, we hope they will take advantage of these incredible career exploration opportunities designed to help students find their passions. Visit iusd.org/CTE to learn more about CTE and College and Career Readiness in IUSD.