CTE Spotlight: Business pathways give students advantage
The District offers two Career and Technical Education pathways in Business that give students an advantage when applying to colleges or entering the workforce.
Students can follow the Business Finance Pathway or the Business Marketing Pathway. Both pathways offer an alternative course to graduation, which focuses on relevant academic programs. Students must meet credit obligations, and take and pass four required Regents Exams or department-approved alternative assessments. Students also have to meet all the requirements of the pathway.
For the business pathways, students must take required courses, at least two elective courses and complete cooperative work experience or pre-approved work experience related to the career path. Successful completion of all the requirements earn students a diploma with a Career and Technical Education Endorsement.
Jeremy Hollenbeck, a school counselor at C.W. Baker High School, said the endorsement on a student’s diploma shows the student’s dedication to their education and the pathway.
“This is really good for students who are interested in business because it gives them an advantage in colleges and to employers,” Hollenbeck said. “Not only are they proving and showing that they are dedicated to a specific coursework, they are tying together their coursework with real world work experience.”
Here’s a look at the Business pathways:
Business Finance:
Required Courses:
Career and Financial Management
Accounting
Mathematics of Business Finance
Elective Courses: (Pick at least TWO)
Intro to Computer Literacy
Wall Street
Business Ownership and Marketing
Sports & Entertainment Marketing
Business Marketing:
Required Courses:
Career and Financial Management
Business Management
Sports & Entertainment Marketing
Business Ownership and Marketing
Elective Courses: (Pick at least TWO)
Intro to Computer Literacy
Accounting
Mathematics of Business Finance
Both pathways require cooperative work experience related to either finance or marketing, which can be an internship or a part-time job, according to Hollenbeck.
“It gives students the opportunity to explore the field they are interested in, and gives them real world experience,” Hollenbeck said.
Hollenbeck said high school is a time for students to explore their interests and discover what they are passionate about.
Career and Financial Management is offered at both Durgee Junior High School and Baker High School. The course is required in both pathways and gives students an overview of a variety of business topics. Students must also pass a NOCTI exam, a national pathway technical assessment exam.
Earning a CTE endorsement takes focus and dedication, Hollenbeck said. But it’s worth it!
If you are interested in pursuing a business pathway, please reach out to your school counselor for more information.
During our CTE Month celebration we are shining the spotlight on our CTE courses and programs. Stay tuned for more!
