Every February, Career Technical Education (CTE) Month shines a spotlight on programs that equip students with real-world skills for future success in college, careers and beyond.
The CTE program offers IUSD middle and high school students hands-on learning in high-demand industries during the traditional school day. Through college and career readiness courses across multiple industry sectors, students develop industry-specific expertise while building employability skills such as teamwork, leadership, creativity and problem-solving that help prepare them for success in college, careers and beyond.
CTE Course Offerings (Pathways) in IUSD
Each middle and high school offers various career pathways, which include:
Film and Video
Engineering
Information Technology
Automotive Repair and Maintenance
Construction Technology
Digital, Visual Media
Culinary Arts
Health Sciences & Medical Technology
And more!
Aligned with Growing Industries and Careers
While each school’s pathways may vary, the pathways offered are directly in line with some of the fastest-growing occupations and industries in the region. The Orange County Center of Excellence reports that Information Communication Technology, Business & Entrepreneurship, and Education & Human Development rank in their top priority sectors for 2025-2029.
Just as important, many of these careers offer wages that support financial stability. The MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates that a single adult in Orange County needs to earn about $32.20 per hour. Entry-level ICT jobs exceed this level at $37.82 per hour, and other priority fields also rank among the top-paying careers.
Through our various pathways, we are working to ensure students are prepared for future success, whether in college or the workforce.
Connections with Industry Leaders
In addition to the diverse range of CTE pathways offered, IUSD has created partnerships with local businesses, organizations and industry leaders – such as UCI Health, CEO Leadership Alliance OC and Edwards Lifesciences – to enhance student learning experiences.
Through these partnerships, we can provide students with actual or simulated work-based learning opportunities, such as internships for high school juniors. To learn more about the internship opportunities, visit the CEO Leadership Alliance OC website. The deadline to apply for the summer 2026 internship opportunity is February 15.
Coastline Regional Occupational Program (ROP)
Through our partnership with Coastline ROP (Regional Occupational Program), IUSD offers expanded CTE course options after school, such as Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), Pharmacy Technician, Robotics, Retail Sales, and Sports Medicine. These programs include internships to learn career skills and real-world experience that further career and education goals. For more information, see your counselor or visit coastlinerop.org. Coastline ROP is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and classes are taught by fully credentialed teachers who are experienced in their related industries.
To learn more about IUSD CTE programs, visit iusd.org/CTE