Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Program Descriptions: 

Animal Science & Management This program of study prepares students for a variety of careers in :  agribusiness, agriscience education, animal genetics, animal nutrition, animal reproduction, extension educator, marine biology, wildlife biology, veterinary medicine, zoology, animal researcher, animal processor, production manager, artificial insemination technician, animal breeder, veterinary assistant/technician, wildlife manager, zoo animal specialist, animal rescue/animal control officer, and agriculture producer. Local business partners and agencies work with educators by serving on advisory boards and as mentors to provide a real-world connection to Animal Systems coursework. Work-based learning experiences and industry-mentored projects are included in each course and will be reviewed with the LEA Program Advisory Council (PAC) to further identify opportunities to engage the community.

Agricultural Power and Engineering: This program is a three (3) course program of study that provides students with the mathematical, scientific, and engineering principles and methods required to understand dynamic power systems and metal fabrication. Students practice real world applications, communication skills, and problem solving skills associated with dynamic power systems and metal fabrication. Students are prepared for a variety of careers including engineering, welding technician, mechanical and industrial technician, maintenance technician, mechanical engineer, metal fabrication, CNC operator, power technology repair and troubleshooting, and green energy technologies.

Agricultural Structures & Engineering: This program of study is a three (3) course Career & Technical Education (CTE) instructional program designed to provide students with the scientific principles and methods required to understand the interrelationships of construction. Students practice real world applications and problem solving skills associated with agricultural designs and engineering principles. Students utilize problem solving as well as communication skills to develop engineering concepts and building practices that are sound and reliable. The program prepares students for a variety of careers including carpentry, engineering, architectural design, electrical, plumbing, masonry, construction framing, business management, sales, building maintenance, home improvement, and green energy technologies.

Plant Science: This program of study is a three (3) course Career & Technical Education (CTE) instructional program designed to provide students with knowledge of plant growth and reproduction, as well as the use of plants for food, fiber, and ornamental purposes. The program prepares students for a variety of careers in: agronomy, ornamental horticulture, biotechnology, forestry, soil science, and turf management.

Program Goal: 

To provide our students the opportunity to earn early college credits, industry-recognized credentials and work experience while still in high school. To earn a living wage in today’s economy, all students must pursue education beyond high school. This education can include a two-year or four-year college degree, certification program, apprenticeship, formal job training or military service. The type of education students choose depends on each student’s unique interests and skills.

School Sites Offering This Pathway or Program: 

Millsboro Middle, Selbyville Middle, Georgetown Middle, Indian River High School, Sussex Central High School

Pathway Courses: 

See program descriptions above.

Potential College/Career Connections: 

Vocational & College Partnerships: University of Delaware, Delaware Technical and Community College, Delaware State University, Carpenters Union, Universal Technical Institute, Hobart Welding Institute, Delaware Valley University, Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences

Potential Careers: Agribusiness, agriscience education, animal genetics, animal nutrition, animal reproduction, extension educator, marine biology, wildlife biology, veterinary medicine, zoology, animal researcher, animal processor, production manager, artificial insemination technician, animal breeder, veterinary assistant/technician, wildlife manager, zoo animal specialist, animal rescue/animal control officer, and agriculture producer.

CTSO Connections: 

Future Farmers of America (FFA)

Program Description: 

Students pursuing the Allied Health Sciences or Certified Nurse Assistant* pathways acquire the skills needed to work with individuals, groups, and communities. They learn to collaborate with people of diverse backgrounds and serve communities at the local, state, and national levels. The program expectations enable students to prepare for higher academic institutions and potential employment related to the medical field.

Program Goal: 

Provide foundational and functional knowledge for students to excel in the allied health field so they will gain the confidence and skills to obtain their certifications and/or degrees to be employed in the medical field.

School Sites Offering This Pathway or Program: 

Indian River High School (Allied Health & CNA Certification), Sussex Central High School (Allied Health)

Pathway Courses: 

• Intro to Medicine 
• Fundamentals of Health Science 
• Essentials of Health Careers 
• DTCC (Delaware Technical Community College) Anatomy and Physiology 
• Certified Nurse Assistant*

* = Indian River High School Only

Potential College/Career Connections: 

DTCC, Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing

Industry Partnerships & Opportunities for Student Work-Based Learning: 

Tidal Health, Atracare, Benchmark Physical Therapy, Pivot Physical Therapy

CTSO Connections: 

Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)

• Delaware HOSA: https://delawarehosa.org
• International HOSA: https://hosa.org

HOSA Promotional Video

Program Description: 

The ARV pathway prepares students for a career in the fields of media production and distribution. The primary focus is on video/film production, particularly videography, video editing, single-camera production and multi-camera production.

Program Goal: 

The program goal is to prepare students with the knowledge and skills they need to advance into post-secondary education in the professions in the industry. Students who complete the pathway can become certified by Adobe in the Premiere Pro video editing platform (industry standard), and have the option of earning certifications in all Adobe platforms.

School Sites Offering This Pathway or Program: 

Sussex Central High School

Pathway Courses: 

• ARV1 - Video editing

• ARV2 - Single Camera production

• ARV3 - Multi Camera production

• ARV4 - Practical application of all skills by producing a weekly news program for the school

Potential College/Career Connections: 

Locally graduating students frequently go to DTCC, UD, DSU, and Salisbury University, among others.  Professionally, graduates have been employed at WBOC, WMDT, FOX21, and WRDE, locally.  Many students have gone on to careers outside of Delmarva, including TV stations in Philadelphia, Florida, Washington DC, and even national networks such as CNN and CBS.

CTSO Connections: 

Technology Students Association (TSA)

Industry Partnerships and Opportunities for Student Work-Based Learning

Local TV stations mentioned above are the best opportunity for local industry partnerships.

Program Description: 

The Computer and Information Sciences pathway is a comprehensive program that covers all facets of computers and information technologies.  Courses focus on understanding technology and its role in our daily lives and potential impacts for the future, computer hardware and desktop support techniques, web programming and design concepts, programming concepts, AI, CyberSecurity, digital citizenship, and more.

Program Goal: 

From Code.org: “Learning computer science is fundamental to active and informed participation in an increasingly digital society and provides all students with a critical lens for interpreting the world around them. Computer science (CS) offers life-changing and economic opportunities, whether they pursue careers in technology or not. 

Every student in every school should have the opportunity to learn computer science regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, identity, family income, neighborhood, or where they are from. To achieve this goal, we work to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the inclusion and full participation of underrepresented groups in CS.”

School Sites Offering This Pathway or Program: 

Indian River High School, Sussex Central High School

Pathway Courses: 

• CIS 100: Computer and Information Science I
• CIS 200: Computer and Information Science II
• CIS 300: Computer and Information Science III
• AP Computer Science Principles
• AP Computer Science A

Potential College/Career Connections: 

Potential Majors: Computer Science, Computer Programmer, Computer Engineering, Information Security, Data Science, Data Management, Network Architect, Network Administrator, Management Information Systems (MIS)

Average Salaries: CIS Manager: $160,000, Computer Network Architect: $121,000, Computer Programmer: $93,000, Computer Systems Analyst: $100,000, Database Administrator: $101,000, Information Security Analyst: $103,000

CTSO Connections: 

Technology Students Association (TSA)

CS Promotional Video from Code.Org

Program Description: 

The Technology Education Department strives to acquaint the student with construction materials, tools, and other equipment. Program participants then develop the skill and dexterity necessary for their use. The program reviews terminology, workplace safety, and critical thinking skills needed to solve common building challenges. This pathway was developed for those students interested in a job related to contracting, surveying, drafting, and the construction trades. A partnership has been established with the Georgetown Carpenters Training Center to provide postsecondary training and employment opportunities.

Program Goal: 

To provide students with the resources, knowledge, and skills to pursue a career in the construction and construction related fields.

School Sites Offering This Pathway or Program: 

Indian River High School

Pathway Courses: 

• Construction I

• Construction II

• Construction III

• Construction IV

Potential College/Career Connections: 

United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 158
Delaware Technical and Community College

CTSO Connections: 

Technology Students Association (TSA)

Industry Partnerships & Opportunities for Student Work-Based Learning

United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 158
Numerous opportunities for employment in this area

Program Description: 

Exploring Business provides students with opportunities to learn about careers and skills needed to succeed in business.

Program Goal: 

To introduce and convince students to enter a business, finance, or marketing pathway in high school.

School Sites Offering This Pathway or Program: 

Georgetown Middle School, Millsboro Middle School, Selbyville Middle School

Pathway Connections: 

Exploring Business starts students on the path to explore personal finance and possible business careers. 6th grade students learn to use various software programs, in 7th grade, students learn personal financial skills, and in 8th grade, students will begin the process of generating a student success plan for high school and future endeavors via the Major Clarity platform.

Potential College/Career Connections: 

The Exploring Business program students research various colleges and business and finance careers throughout the pathway.

CTSO Connections: 

Business Professionals of America (BPA) is an after school program available to 7th and 8th grade students. The mission of Business Professionals of America is to contribute to the preparation of a world-class workforce through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic, and technological skills. Students that join BPA have the opportunity to further their knowledge and prepare for a career in today’s fast paced business environments. BPA offers an assortment of engaging learning tracks that will strengthen their core understanding and lay the foundation for the next steps in their lives. BPA helps prepare members for careers in: Business Administration, Finance and Accounting, IT, Video Production, Human Resources, Computer Programming, Graphic Design and Small Business Entrepreneurship. 

BPA Promotional Video

Program Descriptions: 

Finance and Banking: Finance majors will begin their pathway by taking the Introduction to Finance class. The finance pathway connects students with the skills required for careers in financial services through coursework that develops competencies in personal finance, accounting, and banking. Students have the opportunity to extend learning by earning industry-recognized certifications through Precision Exams, Certiport, and EverFi, Students are also eligible to engage in experiential learning through internships and the Del-One FCU partnership.

Marketing: The marketing management pathway will prepare students to organize, design, and interpret consumer information for the global marketplace. Students will also gain the basic understanding of owning & operating their own business, as well as expose them to the Hospitality & Tourism Industry. All business students will be eligible to join Business Professionals of America to enhance their leadership and business skills.

Program Goal: 

With the foundations gained from their middle school Exploring Buisness classes, students who enter the finance and marketing pathways will be gain skills which can be immediately in the workforce, and will be well prepared to pursue these studies at the collegiate level. Students who choose the marketing pathway will begin by taking the Essentials of Business, Finance, and Marketing class. 

School Sites Offering This Pathway or Program: 

Indian River High School, Sussex Central High School

Pathway Courses: 

Finance & Banking:

• Introduction to Finance 

• Accounting Essentials 

• Finance and Banking 

• Internship/ Experiential Learning 

Marketing: 

• Essentials of Business, Finance, and Marketing 
• Marketing Management II 
• Marketing Management III
• Marketing Management IV

Potential College/Career Connections: 

Finance & Banking Future Careers: Financial Consultant, Financial Analyst, Finance Manager, Financial Planner, Commercial Banking, Corporate Finance, Investment Banking, Insurance Industry, Real Estate

Marketing Future Careers: Entrepreneur, Small Business Owner, Chief Executive Officer, Sales Executive, Retail Sales Specialists, Sales Representative, Merchandise Buyer, Store Manager, Operations Manager, Restaurant Manager, Hotel/Resort Manager, Guest Services

CTSO Connections: 

Business Professionals of America (BPA). With 45,000 members in over 1,800 chapters across 25 states and Puerto Rico, as well as an international presence in China, Haiti and Peru, BPA is an organization that supports business and information technology educators by offering co-curricular exercises based on national standards.

Industry Partnerships and Opportunities for Student Work-Based Learning: 

• Del-One FCU Student Teller Partnership
• Co-Op and Work-Based Learning

Program Description: 

The Graphic Design Pathway is a comprehensive and dynamic program designed to empower creative students with the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience required to excel in the field of graphic design. This pathway offers a structured curriculum that combines artistic exploration with technical proficiency, guiding students on a journey from foundational concepts to advanced design techniques.

Whether students aspire to become graphic designers, illustrators, art directors, or UI/UX designers, the Graphic Design Pathway equips them with the skills, knowledge, and portfolio necessary to thrive in the exciting and competitive world of visual communication. Through a combination of creativity, technical expertise, and real-world experience, this program sets students on a trajectory to make their mark in the design industry.

Program Goal: 

Ultimately, the Graphic Design High School Pathway aims to inspire a new generation of graphic designers who are not only proficient in design tools and techniques but are also capable of thinking critically, communicating effectively, collaborating seamlessly, and contributing meaningfully to the ever-evolving landscape of visual communication.

School Sites Offering This Pathway or Program: 

Indian River High School, Sussex Central High School

Pathway Courses: 

• Graphic Design & Production I
• Graphic Design & Production II
• Graphic Design & Production III

Potential College/Career Connections: 

Potential College Majors: Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Web Design & Development, Advertisement and Marketing, User Experience (UX) Design, Art Education

Potential Careers: Graphic designer, illustrator, UI/UX designer, art director, web designer, motion graphics designer, branding specialist, 

CTSO Connections: 

Technology Students Association (TSA), IRHS Yearbook

Program Description: 

Mission: To motivate young people to become better citizens.  

Participants in the program are provided an opportunity to acquire relevant general knowledge and to develop personally. Sussex Central High School provides a JROTC program that will offer their students the challenge of intellectual inquiry facilitated by retired military instructors who are experienced leaders. JROTC provides an atmosphere designed to develop, enhance and sustain the qualities of leadership. Through student-centered classroom activities and outside related experiences, the participants acquire the knowledge, skills, self discipline, patriotism, sense of responsibility and respect for authority that will better prepare them for the future.  JROTC enables Cadets to better serve their country as leaders and citizens, whether they join the workforce, join the military or pursue higher education.

Program Goal: 

JROTC provides the motivation and skills to become a successful citizen by:

• Improving physical fitness
• Remaining drug free
• Thinking critically and creatively
• Communicating effectively 
• Working as a team member 
• Graduating from high school
• Pursuing meaningful careers especially in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)

School Sites Offering This Pathway or Program: 

Sussex Central High School

Pathway Courses: 

The Leadership Education Training Program has four levels.

LET-1  First year Cadets are introduced to content that will help the inner leader begin to emerge. Knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired in this unit are covered in the five chapters of the LET 1 Textbook.

LET-2  This course is designed to teach values associated with responsible citizenship. Developing Leader builds upon the mastery of LET 1 skills and abilities, providing Cadets with new and more challenging opportunities in leadership development.  There are 24 active learning lessons within the eight chapters of the LET 2 Textbook.     

LET-3  Supervising Leader, builds upon the mastery of LET 1 and 2 skills and abilities.  This course provides Cadets with new and more challenging opportunities as a leader by overseeing planning, project implementation, and team personnel.  Cadets at his level can acquire battalion staff positions and responsibilities that help integrated improvements in the JROTC program and community. There are 20 active learning lessons within seven chapters.  

LET-4  This course emphasizes the Managing Leader and provides Cadets multiple opportunities to manage and lead in the battalion, school, and respective communities. The LET 4 Cadet is ready to assume responsibilities and manage him, or herself, and others whom they work with or oversee as a Cadet manager.  There are 12 active learning lessons within five chapters.

Potential College/Career Connections: 

Although JROTC Instructors are not Military Recruiters, they do provide insight to military service and provide guidance to cadets who are interested in pursuing this option.  Cadets who complete three levels for JROTC and decide to pursue a military career, are eligible to enlist at a higher rank.

The University of Delaware Army ROTC is the Golden Knights Battalion’s point of contact for current information regarding the Senior ROTC program and scholarships.

Additionally, the JROTC program experience may enhance a cadet’s acceptance into one of the Military Service Academies

CTSO Connections: 

There are a myriad of benefits in the JROTC program to the students including earning credits for graduation. Cadets can participate in co-curricular activities where they have the opportunity to demonstrate the leadership, teamwork and decision-making skills they developed in the classroom. Some of the co-curricular events include Marksmanship, Raider Challenge, Competitive Drill & Color Guard, JROTC Cadet Leadership Camps (JCLCs) and STEM camps, the JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl (JLAB) among others.  The Golden Knights Battalion is currently investigating opportunities in Robotics and Drone Competitions.

To view the SCHS JROTC “Parent Memo”, click the button below.

Click Here for SCHS JROTC Parent Memo

Program Description: 

The K-12 Teacher Academy pathway is a three (3) and six (6) course CTE program that prepares students for careers in elementary and secondary education. Observation opportunities in a variety of age and discipline settings, as well as special needs and non-classroom settings, provide practical experiences while enriching the learning. Students participate in a long-term placement during their senior year which allows for in-depth experiences in a classroom setting.

Program Goal: 

Students will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to sustain their interest in the profession and cultivate the skills needed to be successful educators, thus creating a pipeline of high-quality students transitioning to the teaching profession. Students will understand the rigors of a career in education and participate in classroom and field experiences relevant to pursuing a degree in education. The program prepares students for a variety of careers in education such as elementary teacher, secondary teacher, paraprofessional and special education teacher.

School Sites Offering This Pathway or Program: 

Indian River High School & Sussex Central High School

Pathway Courses: 

• TA-100 HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT (HGD) Introduces students to human physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development beginning with conception and ending with early adolescence. Theories supporting current thinking and research on human development are examined, as well as the processes and influences affecting the developing person. Further, students explore challenges to normal growth and development. 
• TA-200 TEACHING AS A PROFESSION Teaching as a Profession explores the role of the teacher in the past, present, and future in order to understand the importance of teaching in American society and its historical significance and social impact. Students explore the responsibilities and opportunities of an effective teacher at various grade bands and consider the function of the teacher as a leader. Students also identify personal professional goals to establish a path to becoming a teacher. 
• TA-300 FOUNDATIONS OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION (FCI) Explores curriculum delivery models in response to the needs of the learner. Emphasis is placed on the development of a variety of instructional materials that promote learning and a supportive classroom environment. Students analyze the influence of technology and impact on learning. Students develop lesson plans and assessments while practicing appropriate classroom management techniques to maximize the learning process for every student. 
• TA-500 TEACHER ACADEMY INTERNSHIP Teacher Academy Internship gives students the real world experience of working, planning and teaching in local schools. Students will take on responsibilities similar to a collegiate student teaching internship while at the same time, continuing to hone content planning and preparation, communication and delivery of instruction based on standards.

Potential College/Career Connections: 

• Praxis Core / ParaPro Certification
• Up to 12 college credits at Delaware Technical Community College
• Up to 6 college credits at Wilmington University

CTSO Connections: 

Educators Rising https://educatorsrising.org/

Educators Rising is a community-based movement, in which chapters at schools feed teacher preparation programs at institutes of higher education with the support of State Departments of Education and local funders and foundations. These entities come together to provide a clear pathway to increase teacher diversity and teacher quality.

Industry Partnerships and Opportunities for Student Work-Based Learning

Internships at North Georgetown Elementary, Georgetown Elementary, Howard T. Ennis, Millsboro Middle School